This guide will walkthrough the steps necessary to install the latest versions of Java and Eclipse on your local system.

Install Java

You need to make sure you have the latest version of Java Standard Edition (SE) Development Kit (JDK 17) installed on your system. When downloading, keep in mind:

Do NOT download Java 8, Java 11, or Java 16. The lecture code will not compile with these older versions of Java.
Do NOT download Java Enterprise Edition (EE). We will be using the Standard Edition (SE) in class. Java EE is used to create enterprise applications.
Do NOT download just the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The Java Development Kit (JDK) includes the JRE, which is necessary to run Java code. The JDK also includes the Java compiler, which we will need in class.

To install the Java SE 17 JDK, go to the Oracle Java Downloads website. Download the appropriate file for your system. Run the installer and follow the prompts.

<aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_gray.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_gray.svg" width="40px" /> You can download a newer version of Java, but be careful. If you use any of the new features, your code may not compile in the GitHub Actions test environment used for homework and projects.

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Screenshot of the Java JDK 17 installer for macOS.

Once done, open a terminal window and verify the version using java -version and javac -version. The output will be similar to:

% java --version
java 17.0.8 2023-07-18 LTS
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 17.0.8+9-LTS-211)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 17.0.8+9-LTS-211, mixed mode, sharing)

% javac --version
javac 17.0.8

Note that % above indicates the command prompt, and the lines below that are the output.

Install Eclipse

You need to make sure you have the latest Eclipse IDE for Java Developers package. Do NOT download the IDE for Java EE Developers, as we are using Java SE in class.

Go to the Eclipse IDE for Java Developers page for a direct download link appropriate for your operating system. There are installers available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Once downloaded, double-click the installer and follow the prompts.

Screenshot of the “About Eclipse IDE” window showing the version.

Once installed, do NOT open up an Eclipse workspace yet—you want to setup your directories first.