1/19/13 Eclipse

To this point in time, I have tough you how to use java, but you may be wondering, what software should I use to program in java? There are a lot of options out there to chose from, but I ultimately think that Eclipse is the best.

Eclipse is an open source software that runs java code. Unlike programs like Jgrasp, Eclipse is a lot more user friendly. While you are writing code, Eclipse is compiling it for you, and underlining your compile errors in red (much like Microsoft word does). Not only will it tell you exactly where your error is, but if you hover over the error, you will get a list of options that would fix it. Now, you don't even need to code the correction, just by clicking on the correction that you want to make, Eclipse will fix it for you! Speaking of fixing things, if you hit ctrl + shift + f, eclipse will auto format your code so that it looks nice! In the middle of calling a method? Eclipse will create a drop down list of all the programmed methods that start with what you have entered so far. Tired of typing all those set and get methods? Just go to source, and hit generate Getters and Setters, and Eclipse can do that too! Don't want to type your import statements? Just hit ctrl + shift + o, and Eclipse will do that for you. There are so many more ways to save time by using eclipse, but I will not list them here. Another useful tool is the ability to refactor your programs name. In all, I believe that Eclipse is the best platform to use when programming in java.

The one problem with Eclipse is that it is slow. Because it is constantly compiling, the computer may start lagging a little while you are writing code. Some of Eclipse's short cuts can also start getting in your way when you are trying to code things for yourself. If you want an efficient and simple platform for java, I recommend using Jgrasp. I hope that I have given you enough information to determine what platform you would like to use while programming, and if you have another platform that you use, just let me know by posting it in the comments.