Tools for CS 139 & 239

In this course, you will be using a number of software tools.  These tools are accessible from the following sites.

Java Compiler

This is the tool that will compile the programs and produce the byte code .class files.  Obtain it from the java.sun.com website.  We are using Java 6 for this class.  You want the JDK or the Java Developer's Kit.  
 
You will find it at this link: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk-6u27-download-440405.html  When downloaded, you can install this application by double clicking the file name.  This file is quite large, so make sure you have available space and time to complete the download.

Editors

We do not have a standard editor of choice for this class.  You will see me using JGrasp or Wordpad.  JGrasp is a very simple editing tool that  provides color coded text, built in compilation and execution, and some debugging tools.  But if you have access to another compiler that you prefer, feel free to use it.  In the lab, we have JGrasp installed and we also have Eclipse.  You are welcome to use any of these or others.

JGrasp - http://www.jgrasp.org/ then click downloads (upper left side of the page).  Choose the most recent download which should be at the top.  Again, install by double clicking the file name.

Eclipse - http://www.eclipse.org/ then click downloads (top of page).  Choose either the classic or the Europa version.

Connectivity

There are a couple of tools that will make working on the Linux server easier for you.  

WINSCP - http://winscp.net/eng/index.php This tool provides a graphical secure FTP tool which will make transfer of files from your local computer to the Linux servers easier than simply typing the commands (see Lab 3).

Cyberduck - http://download.cnet.com/Cyberduck/3000-2160_4-10246246.html. Same kind of graphical interface like WINSCP for the MAC.

Filezilla - http://filezilla-project.org/. Same kind of graphical transfer tool as Cyberduck and WINSCP but for Linux.

PUTTY - This is a telnet/SSH tool which allows you to log into the Linux machine from anywhere.  It is like running the ssh command from the Linux lab.  It is available from the JMU computing downloads page.  https://secureweb.jmu.edu/computing/download/windows/. You must authenticate using your e-id to access this page.  

Accessing the N: drive

You can access any of your network space (outside of the linux servers) from the web site: https://sslvpn.jmu.edu

You authenticate yourself to the site and then you can upload and download files from any web connected machine.

Alternately, the server with the N: drive space is IT-Data3.ad.jmu.edu. You can use this URL to map a network drive (Windows) or Go/Connect to Server (Mac) to mount the N: drive onto your file system. The JMU Help Desk can help you with this if you are having trouble.

Java Documentation

Java API - API stands for Application Program Interface and provides standard documentation for all Java classes.  Documenation for Release 6 can be found at:  http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/api/.  

Tutorial - The Java tutorial can provide another way to learn about the Java language.  Feel free to explore this site and try their examples.  http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/