CS-1180-SP25

Class materials for CS-1180 in Spring 2025

Install Instructions

You will need to install a minimum of two things for this class: Java itself and an IDE to work in. IDE stands for Integrated Developement Environment. It is the program that you will use to write your code.

Java Install

1. Navigate to oracle.com to download Java. Oracle is the company behind Java.
2. The link will automatically take you to the Windows download page. If you use Linux or macOS, click the corresponding tabs.
3. If you are using Windows, select either the .exe or .msi installer. All of the installers contain the same thing, it is just the method of install that differs.
4. Once the file has downloaded, navigate to the downloaded file and double-click it to run the installer.
5. Follow all prompts.
6. Java is installed!

IDE Install

There are many different IDEs available and each programmer finds one they like best. There is no required IDE for this class, so feel free to use any IDE you are familiar with (provided it supports Java). Below are installation instructions for two different IDEs. NOTE: You only need to install ONE of these IDEs, not both.

I (your instructor) will be using IntelliJ in class as I prefer its features for Java over VSCode.

The TAs are generally most familiar with VSCode, so if you do run into IDE issues, there is more help available for VSCode.

Over the course of your education, it is a good idea to become familiar with both, as they each serve their own purpose in the workforce. VSCode is often favored for being light-weight and more customizable. However, IntelliJ (and other more fully-fledged IDEs) often work better for large-scale projects and offer a plethora of built-in functionality especially since IntelliJ is designed specifically for Java. Proficient programmers should be able to program in any standard IDE

IntelliJ	VSCode
Java specific	Supports many languages
More resource intensive	More lightweight
Git integration	Git integration
Easier start-up	More customization

VSCode (MacOS)

1. Navigate to visualstudio.com
2. Click the MacOS universal download button
3. Once the file has downloaded, navigate to the downloaded file and double-click it to run the installer.
4. Drag the VSCode Icon into your applications folder
5. Launch VSCode
   • Select "Open" if MacOS asks "Are you sure you want to open this app downloaded from the internet?"

VSCode (Windows)

1. Navigate to visualstudio.com
2. Click the Windows download button
3. Once the file has downloaded, navigate to the downloaded file and double-click it to run the installer.
4. Select "Yes" when it asks "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?"
5. Follow all prompts.
   • Next from the welcome screen
   • Select "I accept" to the license agreement
   • Leave the destination folder as the default, and click "Next"
   • Click "Install"
6. Launch VSCode

IntelliJ

1. Navigate to jetbrains.com to download IntelliJ.
2. If you are not using Windows, click the corresponding tab for your Operating System. Scroll down to IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition. (IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate is paid software.)
3. Click download. Note: make sure you are clicking download for the Community Edition.
4. Once the file has downloaded, navigate to the downloaded file and double-click it to run the installer.
5. Follow all prompts.
   • On the "Installation Options" menu, make sure to select ".java" under "Create Associations".
   • Additionally, select "Add "bin" folder to the PATH" under "Update PATH Variables".
   • You can also select "Add "Open Folder as Project"" under "Update Context Menu".
6. Allow IntelliJ to restart your computer.
7. IntelliJ is installed!