Getting the Java Development Kit

For some reason, the folks responsible for naming the Java SDK decided that it would be more appropriate to name it the Java Development Kit, or JDK.

The following steps work for Windows machines, but the steps are similar for Macs or Linux machines. Follow these steps to install the JDK:

1. Go to www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html .

The Java SE downloads page appears. See Figure 2-5.

2. Click the Download button for the Java Platform (JDK).

A new Java SE Downloads page appears, asking you to specify which platform (Windows, Linux, or Mac) you’re using for your development work.

The web page shown in Figure 2-5 may look different in the future. To ensure that you’re visiting the correct page, visit the Android SDK System Requirements page in the online Android documentation for a direct link to the Java SDK download page. View the requirements page at http://developer.android.com/sdk/requirements.html .

3. Click the Download link for the particular operating system you’re using.

On Windows, choose the 32-bit install. If you’re on a 64-bit machine, you can install both the 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) JDKs if you like, but you must install the 32-bit to develop with Android.

Windows may open a message box with a security warning.

4. In the Save As dialog box, select the location where you want to save the file, and click Save.

5. When the download is complete, double-click the file to install the JDK.

A dialog box asks whether you want to allow the program to make changes to your computer.

6. Click the Yes button.

If you click the No button, the installation stops.

7. When you’re prompted to do so, read and accept the license agreement.

That’s all there is to it. You have the JDK installed and are ready to move to the next phase.