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Java Modules and New Features (Java 11+): Lab Setup Instructions (Windows OS: Java 17 and IntelliJ)

Below are the standard requirements for this course. If you have any questions or issues, please contact us.

Important Note: Student lab files are required on each computer used for the course. The links for these are not in this lab setup, and you should receive them separately.

Other notes:

  • It’s a good idea to keep downloaded software install files on the machines during the class in case of problems that require a re-install.
  • Cloning a setup is generally not a problem. If it is, we’ll mention it in the software section (for example, much of the IBM/RAD-WAS software can be problematic in this regard).

Hardware and classroom setup.

Each student and the instructor shall have a workstation that fulfills the listed requirements.

  • Required: Intel-compatible processor (with reasonably recent hardware).
  • Memory: 8GB min recommended
  • Disk Space: Free disk space for software installs (generally minimum 2GB)
  • Operating System: Windows OS (Any modern version - e.g. Windows 10. - labs have not been tested on Windows 8 variants)
  • Required: Zip utility. A good free one is 7-zip
  • Required: Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Required: One of Firefox browser (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/) or Chrome browser (https://www.google.com/chrome/). Edge browser is not sufficient.
  • Recommended: Internet access
  • Recommended: Class machines networked together - allows students to access a shared network directory.

Install 7-zip 

We’ve found that there are sometimes problems using the built in Windows archive/zip utility. This generally has to do with long path lengths that it can’t handle. Use 7-zip to extract the labs and any software zips which we’ve found very reliable.

  • Can try direct download link for 64-bit install: https://www.7-zip.org/a/7z2301-x64.exe
  • If that doesn’t work, go to home page https://www.7-zip.org
  • Near the top of the page, find the download link for your bitness (probably 64 bit), and download the installer.
  • Execute the installer, and take all the defaults.
  • You can now extract zip files by right clicking on them, and selecting 7-Zip | Extract ...

Lab Files: Each student and instructor must have lab files installed (links to these files are generally sent separately via e-mail).

  • Extract the lab files to a location conveniently accessible to the student (e.g. C:\ )
  • Recommend using utility like 7-zip, not Windows built-in extractor.
  • If using folder other than C:\, make sure that students know where they are.

Other instructor requirements for the classroom

  • Projector or large screen TV capable of 1280x800 or higher resolution. Instructor must be able to use this to project slides.
  • Whiteboard (preferred) or flip charts with markers.

Install Java Development Kit – JDK 17

  • Note that any JDK 17 version should work fine.
     
  • We will use the adoptium.net (Eclipse Temurin) download. This is the OpenJDK distribution that is managed by the Eclipse Foundation.
    • We've found this to be very reliable, easy to install/use, and with no restrictive licensing terms.
  • Try the Direct link first: 
  • If you have problems with the direct link, go to https://adoptium.net/releases.html
    • Select the Temurin 17 (LTS) radio button
    • In the dropdowns, select the Windows Operating System and the Architecture (generally 64 bit)
    • Click the link to download the ".msi" file
    • Save the file where you can easily get to it
  • You should have a file with a name like OpenJDK17U-jdk_x64_windows_hotspot_17.0.13_11.msi (the minor version number, 17.n.n_nn may be different).
  • Run the installer (right click on the install file, select Install)
    • Click Next on the Welcome dialog,
    • In the Custom Setup dialog make sure that Set Java_HOME variable is enabled (click its drop down, and select  "Will be installed on local hard drive")
    • Click Next through all the dialogs, and click Install in the last dialog.
    • This will install the JDK in a folder like C:\Program Files\Eclipse Adoptium\jdk-17.0.13-hotspot
      • If this location is problematic because of your environment, it can be changed. The installer should consistently set the path and JAVA_HOME for you.

  • Check the following environment variables to make sure they are set properly

    • JAVA_HOME:
      • Open a command prompt, and execute the following
        • echo %JAVA_HOME%
      • It should give a value like C:\Program Files\Eclipse Adoptium\jdk-17.0.13-hotspot (for the default install location).
      • If not, something has gone wrong with the install.
    • Path:
      • Open a command prompt, and execute the following
        • echo %path%
      • You should see something like C:\Program Files\Eclipse Adoptium\jdk-17.0.13-hotspot\bin at the beginning of the path.

  • Open a terminal prompt, type the below, and press Enter

    C:\Users\student:     javac -version
    javac 17.0.13
     

  • You should get output similar to the above. If the command is not found, you did something wrong

  • Close the terminal prompt. You’re done installing Java

Install IntelliJ IDEA Community/Ultimate 2023.1

Instructions are for Version 2024.1 Community. If you are installing IntelliJ Ultimate, that is fine also - the download is on the same main download page linked below.

NOTE: IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate will also work fine, if you are using that, but it's not needed.

Download

Install

  • Execute the installer program (named something like ideaIC-2023.1.exe)
  • Take all the defaults when installing
  • Nothing else needs to be done to install IntelliJ