Where can I get a compiler?

Question

Where can I get a compiler that I can use that is like sun's but doesnt use an IDE?

Answer 1

This may duplicate some of what you've already done, if so fine. But please verify you've done exactly what is written or know why you shouldn't before proceeding. You may want to print these instructions before continuing.
To download the current version of Java, go here:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.1/download.html
and click on the word DOWNLOAD in the column labeled SDK in this line:
Windows (all languages, including English)
After downloading, click on this page of installation instructions and read through #6:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.1/install-windows.html
NOTE: If you are installing on other than a standard 32-bit Windows system, go to this page
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.1/install.html and choose the installation instructions for your system.
Install the software according to the preceeding instructions
Below is a Helloworld program, copy and paste it into your editor and save it as "HelloWorld.java" Use capitalization, Java is case-sensitive. If you're using Notepad, quote the name when saving, otherwise Notepad adds ".txt" to the name. Go to DOS/command window and check that you've got the file where you want it and that it's named correctly.
-------program HelloWorld.java--------
public class HelloWorld {
public static void main (String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello World!");
In the same directory as HelloWorld.java, enter "javac" - the program should print out a list of options, if not, set your PATH - see below.
In the same directory as HelloWorld.java, enter "javac HelloWorld.java" and the javac compiler will create HelloWorld.class. If it was successful it will not give any messages. Check that the file is created.
In the same directory as HelloWorld.java, enter "java -classpath . HelloWorld" with the spaces and the period. The program will run.
Here is additional information:
The Windows path is a set of pointers that Windows uses to locate programs that you execute, like javac.exe and java.exe. This setting is explained here:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.1/install-windows.html
Scroll down to: 5. Update the PATH variable
(you should have already done this as part of the Java installation)
The CLASSPATH is another set of pointers that is used by Java to find the files that you create and want compiled and/or run. This setting is explained here:
Setting the Classpath:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.1/docs/tooldocs/windows/classpath.html
[NOTE: always start your classpath with ".;" which means the current directory. See my classpath, below]
How Classes are Found:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.1/docs/tooldocs/findingclasses.html
Examples:
This is my path
PATH=C:\WINDOWS;C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND;C:\BATCH;C:\J2SDK1.4.1\BIN;C:\PROGRA~1\UTILIT~1;C:\PROGRA~1\WIN98RK
This is my classpath
CLASSPATH=.;C:\mjava;C:\mnrx;C:\NetRexx\lib\NetRexxC.jar;C:\j2sdk1.4.1\lib\tools.jar;C:\NetRexx\NrxRedBk