novice to java

[bravo9]

Hi everyone I am in the phase of learning java language. I have downloaded the jdk 1.3.1_08 compiler and am trying to compile my source code. But I am just getting an error message that 'javac' is not recognized as an internal or external command... I don't know why this is happening. I am working on Windows 2000 professional and I have set the class path as well. Could someone please help me over here!
I would really appreciate.
thanx

[Mark Mokris]

You have to set the DOS PATH environment variable to "point" to c:\jdk1.3.1_08\bin. The installation set does not do this automatically.

[Michael Morris]

Hi Mr. Bravo,
Welcome to JavaRanch, the absolute best site on the www for Java information. We don't have many rules around here, but we do have one. Please change your display name to a first and last name to comply with the JavaRanch Naming Policy. You can change it here. Thank you for your cooperation.
Your problem has nothing to do with the CLASSPATH. It has all to do with the System PATH. The PATH variable should point to <JDK_Install>/bin where <JDK_Install> is the directory that the JDK is installed.
BTW, if you are starting out, why did you install a 1.3 version? I would recommend the newest which I believe is 1.4.2.
[ June 01, 2003: Message edited by: Michael Morris ]

[Steve Stone]

The classpath is for finding CLASSES.
He is having trouble finding the PROGRAM javac.exe. The path is the parameter that tells the OS where to look for executables.