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Beginner Java Developer Environment Setup: Install JDKman, IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition, MySQL and GUI

As a beginner Java developer, setting up your development environment can be intimidating, especially when working on different operating systems. However, with the right tools and a little guidance, it can be a smooth and easy process. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the setup process for a cross-platform development environment using JDKman, IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition, MySQL, and a GUI.

Step 1: Install JDKman

What is JDKman?

JDKman is a command-line tool that simplifies the process of installing and managing multiple Java Development Kits (JDKs) on your machine. This tool allows you to switch between different JDK versions and vendors with ease. JDKman also provides a simple command-line interface for setting environment variables and managing your JDK installations.

How to Install JDKman

To install JDKman, follow these steps:

  1. Open your terminal or command prompt.
  2. Install SDKman by running the following command: 
    3. curl -s "https://get.sdkman.io" | bash
  3. Follow the instructions provided by the SDKman installer.
  4. Once the installation is complete, run the following command to source SDKman:
    5. source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"
  5. Finally, install the JDK of your choice by running the following command:
    6. sdk install java
  6. Follow the prompts to select the JDK version you want to install.
  7. Once the installation is complete, verify that the JDK is installed by running the following command:
    8. java -version
  8. You should see output similar to the following:
    9. java version "1.8.0_292" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_292-b10)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.292-b10, mixed mode)

Conclusion

Installing and managing multiple JDKs can be a complex and time-consuming process. By using JDKman, you can simplify the process and switch between different JDK versions and vendors with ease. With the JDK installed and managed by JDKman, you can now move on to the next step of setting up your Java development environment.

Step 2: Install IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition

IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition is a free and open-source Java IDE that provides all the necessary tools for Java development. To install it, simply download the latest version from the official website and follow the installation wizard. Once installed, you can open IntelliJ IDEA and create a new project.

Step 3: Install MySQL and a GUI

Install MySQL

To install MySQL, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the MySQL download page at https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/
  2. Scroll down to the MySQL Community Server section and click the download link for your operating system.
  3. Follow the installation prompts and choose the default options unless you have a reason to do otherwise.
  4. Once the installation is complete, you'll need to start the MySQL service. On Windows, you can do this by going to the Services app and starting the MySQL service. On Mac or Linux, you can start the service by running the following command in your terminal:
    5. sudo /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server start

Install a MySQL GUI

A MySQL GUI makes it easy to manage your databases and run queries. While there are several options available, we recommend using MySQL Workbench, a powerful and user-friendly graphical tool.

To install MySQL Workbench, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the MySQL Workbench download page at https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/
  2. Scroll down to the MySQL Workbench section and click the download link for your operating system.
  3. Follow the installation prompts and choose the default options unless you have a reason to do otherwise.
  4. Once the installation is complete, open MySQL Workbench and connect to your MySQL server by clicking the '+' icon under the MySQL Connections tab and entering your MySQL server details.
  5. You can now use MySQL Workbench to manage your databases and run queries.

Step 4: Set Up Your Development Environment

Once you have installed all the necessary tools, you need to configure your development environment. In IntelliJ IDEA, you need to set up the JDK path, configure the build path, and add the MySQL JDBC driver to your project. Consult IntelliJ IDEA's documentation for specific instructions on how to do this.

Step 5: Start Developing!

With your development environment set up, you can now start developing Java programs. Begin with simple programs and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable with the language. Don't forget to use the resources available to you, such as online tutorials, forums, and documentation.

With JDKman, IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition, MySQL, and a GUI, you have everything you need to develop Java applications on any operating system. Happy coding!

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