Getting an error message upon writing my first main() method after typing javac Zoo.java

[aku pat]

Hello All, I am new to Java. I am using OCA Study Guide by Boyarsky and Selikoff and I am on page 6 (Chapter 1). I was unsure which editor to use to write a Java Program so I downloaded notepad++ and I typed this code:-

  public class Zoo { 
   public static void main(String[] args) {

 }
}

I save as file in my Downloads folder as Zoo.java

Then I use command prompt to CD (change directory) into my Downloads folder where I see my Zoo.java file and I type javac Zoo.java

However, I get an error message such as 'javac' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Any help/feedback would be appreciated? Also, what other tool or editor should i download to run java programs?

[Campbell Ritchie]

Welcome to the Ranch

I think NotePad++ is very good. If you are still at the stage where you are getting that error message, maybe you shouldn't be using a cert exam study guide. Consider a more basic book, e.g. Head First Java by Bates and Sierra (O'Reilly, 2005). Because it is an old book, be sure to get a second‑hand copy.
That error message is almost always caused by not setting your PATH environment variable correctly. It only occurs on Windows®. Can you remember the folder where you installed Java®? It will probably be something like C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0.122, in which case you need to add "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0.122\bin"; to the beginning of the current PATH; if you use Win10, it goes on a line by itself and probably doesn't need the ; ut it probably does need the quotes.
Have a look at our FAQ,

[aku pat]

Thank you for your post Campbell Ritchie. I haven't installed the Java Development Kit. I went to the wikipedia page of JDK and clicked on this link: https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/index.html and I see a bunch of Java Software to download under new and top downloads. I am unsure which one to download. My best guess is the JDeveloper and ADF. Please advise.

Also, you mention not using a cert exam study guide. How basic is Head First Java? I have prior experience coding in JavaScript. Would that be enough to use this cert exam study guide or do i still need to get Head First Java? I appreciate your feedback.

[Dave Tolls]

https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html

That's the Java download page.
You want one of the JDK ones.
The current (just released) is 13.

[aku pat]

Thanks Dave Tolls for the Java Download Page URL.

[Knute Snortum]

This is a good Wiki on how to setup your environment for your first program:

https://coderanch.com/wiki/659740/create-Java-program