HELP! Can't Open Java Console!

[Baasha]

Guys,

I just installed the latest Java JDK (including JRE and Java SE 6) for my system (Windows 7 x64).

I can't get the console to appear and/or open!! I went into the Java Control Panel (via Control Panel>>Java>>Advanced>>Java Console>>"Show" Java Console) and enabled the Java Console but it doesn't show up in the Task Bar (coffee mug icon)!! I also tried enabling it via IE8 and Firefox 3.6.2 which has a "java console" option under Tools but nothing happens when I click on it!

I'm a complete novice with java and I'm trying to learn it on my own. Please help me!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Good4Me]

Are you on a webpage with a java applet? It only shows up when the java plugin is in use.

 

[Baasha]

Are you on a webpage with a java applet? It only shows up when the java plugin is in use.

?? I want to start writing a new Java program (tutorial etc.). How do I do that? For example, if I want to write a HTML or CSS program, I just use Adobe Dreamweaver CS4. I thought we have to use the Java Console for writing Java programs?!?

 

[Ken g6]

The Java Console is for debugging a Java applet on a web page. To create a Java program, I suggest either Eclipse or Netbeans.

 

[Baasha]

The Java Console is for debugging a Java applet on a web page. To create a Java program, I suggest either Eclipse or Netbeans.

Thanks for that!

Which one do you recommend for a novice? I see that NetBeans is offered on the Java (Sun) website itself.

Any one in particular you recommend?

 

[Ken g6]

Personally, I'm used to the command line and GVim, so I just used those when I started Java programming. Eclipse never quite suited me. I finally had to use Netbeans on the job, and it grew on me. I liked the easy access to Javadocs.

However, Eclipse seems to be the most popular Java development environment out there. So I suppose you should start with it.

 

[Baasha]

Thanks!

I actually uninstalled the JRE and reinstalled the one from their site which includes the NetBeans 6.8. I played around with it and it seems quite intuitive.

I will practice with this and try out Eclipse in the near future.

 

[Leros]

You can also code in a text edit. Just save the file has a .java file.

Then on the Windows command line compile with "javac filename.java" and run with "java filename".

I prefer a text editor and command-line compiling for simpler projects where I don't need to step through the code or use breakpoints.