Using a Text Editor

Unlike more sophisticated Java development tools, the Java Development Kit does not include a text editor to use when you create source files.

For an editor or word processor to work with the kit, it must be able to save text files with no formatting.

This feature has different names in different editors. Look for a format option such as one of the following when you save a document or set the properties for a document:

  • Plain text

  • ASCII text

  • DOS text

  • Text-only

If you're using Windows, there are several editors included with the operating system.

Windows Notepad is a no-frills text editor that only works with plain-text files. It can handle only one document at a time. Choose Start, All Programs, Accessories, Notepad to run it ...

Get SAMS Teach Yourself Programming with Java™ in 24 Hours, FOURTH EDITION now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.

Start your free trial