# Java: Student IDEs

Note: This is oriented toward UMUC students.

## You need software to create and run your programs

If you have access to a UMUC computer lab, you can use the Java software installed on those machines. (Java 1.4 using NetBeans 3.6 or jGrasp). However, it's more satisfactory to install software on your own machine. Here are some options, none of which is perfect.

## NetBeans

A free, open-source, IDE is available from Sun at www.netbeans.org. This is a good choice for students because of the good GUI form editor and the editing and debugging facilities.. See NetBeans IDE for more information. java.sun.com has a nice bundle of NetBeans with the JDK. If you don't install the bundle, you must install the JDK first.

Version 4.0 (Java 5 (1.5)) is better than version 3.6 (Java 1.4), BUT it has a bug that prevents it from reading console input. If your programs are GUI based, and/or need Java 5 features, use NetBeans 4.0.

Advantages
Disadvantages

## TextPad

Most recent version from www.textpad.com.

## jGrasp

Many like it. The Control Structure Diagramming is nice. Easy to install. Free.

To enable Java 5 features, start with the Compiler menu:
Compiler > Compiler Settings > Workspace > Compiler (Tab) > Environment (Tab)
then choose "j2sdk(1.5) (prefer JDK compiler)", and click the Use button, then OK. URL: www.jgrasp.org.