We will the use the Java 6 Standard Edition (Java SE 6) platform, which consists of the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Java 7 is also ok, but we won't be using any features that are not available in Java 6. If you are using an earlier version than 6, please upgrade.
To find out which version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) you are
running, open a command window (in Windows, Start > Run... and type cmd,
and in Mac OS X, Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
and type java -version at the command prompt:
C:\>java -version java version "1.6.0_27" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_27-b07) Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 20.2-b06, mixed mode, sharing)
This says I have version 6 installed (6 and 1.6 are synonymous).
If you are on a PC running Windows and have never installed a version
of the Java Development Kit (JDK) on your machine, you probably don't have it.
If you are on a Mac, you probably do. To find out, type javac -version:
C:\>javac -version javac 1.6.0_27
If you get an error message or the version is earlier than 1.6, you must (re)install the JDK.
The JDK is already installed in CIT and ACCEL labs. However, installing it own your own machine will greatly facilitate your work. Please note that you should double check your work in a public lab, as privately owned machines occasionally exhibit different behaviors.
To download the JDK, visit Oracle's Java web site and download and install JDK 6 Update 27.
Oracle does not support Java for Macs. However, there is support available from Apple. If you are running Mac OS X version 10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard) or 10.6 (Snow Leopard), your Mac already has the JDK installed. For 10.7 (Lion), you need to download and install it from here.
Say your main class is MyProgram and it is
contained in the source file MyProgram.java.
If it is not in a package, navigate
to the folder containing MyProgram.java
and type javac MyProgram.java.
If it is in a package (say myPackage), the
source should be in a folder called myPackage. Navigate
to the folder containing myPackage
and type javac myPackage/MyProgram.java.
From the same folder you compiled from, type
java MyProgram <program arguments> if it is not
in a package, and java myPackage.MyProgram <program arguments> if it is.
Sometimes you may need to inform Java where to find auxiliary
classes. You can do this with the -cp option
to the java command.
Supply a sequence of folders telling Java where to look
for classes, separated by : (Mac) or
; (Windows).
For students with limited Java experience, we recommend the online notes from CS 1130, Transition to Object-oriented Programming as a refresher. This is a self-paced course consisting of several modules that you can go through at your leisure.
There are some basic Java utilities specifically for CS 2110 that you
may find useful. These are contained in a package edu.cornell.cs.cs2110 contained in a
.jar file which you can download from here.
Follow the installation instructions on that page.
Javadoc documentation is also available.
IDE stands for integrated development environment. The use of an IDE is the best way to develop Java programs. IDEs provide many valuable aids such as syntax checking, debugging, and refactoring that can save you a lot of effort.
There are many good IDEs. We recommend Eclipse, but you may use any one that you like, or none at all. Eclipse is installed in all the labs, along with some others. Early recitation sections will get you started with Eclipse if you are not familiar with an IDE.
Here are some links:
For consistency, the course staff use Eclipse with a common Java style. You can download the Eclipse style template here.
There are many valuable resources that can help you take your programming skills to the next level. Here are a few links:
Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) runs several computer labs across campus for all members of the Cornell community. The JDK and Eclipse are installed on these machines. Check here for locations and times of operation.
You can also find the course software in the Academic Computing Center (ACCEL), located in the Engineering Library in Carpenter Hall. Any CS student may register for an account.
The Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW) offer an opportunity for students to gain additional experience with course concepts in a cooperative learning environment. Research has shown that cooperative and collaborative methods promote higher grades, greater persistence, and deeper comprehension. The material presented in the workshop is at or above the level of the regular course. We do not require joining the AEW program, but do encourage students to join if they are seeking an exciting and fun way to learn. The AEW carries one S/U credit based on participation and attendance. The time commitment is two hours per week in the lab. No homework will be given. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to seek extra help on course topics in a small group setting.
Your fellow undergraduate students, who are familiar with the course material, teach the sessions with material that they prepare. The course staff provide guidance and support but do not actually teach the AEW course content or any session. A representative from the AEW program will be speaking about the program and registration procedures in lecture.
Your AEW liaison for this semester is Jason Zhao.
See the AEW webpage for further information.
| PROGRAM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Student Resources For Engineering Students | This site has links to a variety of services. |
| Free Computer Training | CIT offers free computer training throughout the semester. Email tts_consult@cornell.edu for an appointment. |
| Student Web Services | This website collects services that are more general. |
| Engineering Advising | Academic advising for engineering students. |
| Arts College Student Services | A listing of general support services for a variety of concerns students may have. |
| Tau Beta Pi | Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society Tutoring Program. The members of Tau Beta Pi are selected for their academic aptitude and social commitment. They hold one-on-one tutoring sessions with students in courses that typically have a large enrollment of engineers. |
| Learning Styles | Not everyone learns the same way. If you are curious about how you learn, check out this collection. |
| Gannett | The Cornell University Health Service Center. For all health related concerns. |
| CAPS | If you are experiencing emotional distress, we urge you to contact CAPS, the Counseling and Psychological Services. |
| Dear Uncle Ezra | When all else fails, ask Uncle Ezra! |