Chapter 3
Working with TextPad
In This Chapter
Acquiring TextPad
Using TextPad to edit source files
Compiling Java programs
Running Java programs
TextPad is an inexpensive ($33) text editor that you can integrate with the Java Development Kit (JDK) to simplify the task of coding, compiling, and running Java programs. It isn't a true integrated development environment (IDE), as it lacks features such as integrated debugging, code generators, and drag-and-drop tools for creating graphical user interfaces.
If you want to work with an IDE, I suggest that you skip this chapter and instead look to www.dummies.com/extras/javaaio, which offers a bonus chapter that covers a free IDE called Eclipse.
TextPad is a popular tool for developing Java programs because of its simplicity and speed. It's ideal for learning Java because it doesn't generate any code for you. Writing every line of code yourself may seem like a bother, but the exercise pays off in the long run because you have a better ...
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