BlueJ

BlueJ is the required IDE for CS 1114 Introduction To Software Design.

Software Version

Figure out what you need and download it. Currently CS1114 (Fall '10) is using [http//:moodle.cs.vt.edu Moodle] as an online interface for students. On Moodle in CS1114 on the 'Reference Shelf' you will see a link 'Installing/Updating BlueJ'. Here you will find what version of Java and BlueJ you need to install. First follow the link for the Java JDK, make sure you select linux (x86 for 32 bit, x64 for 64 bit, this has to match your operating system version) and download. Then download the BlueJ .jar package, its listed as "All other OSes: vtbluej-<version>.jar"

Install the JDK

Open a terminal, execute the following command to add permission to execute the file

% sudo chmod +x jdk-6u<version>-linux-i586.bin

Change the directory to wherever you would like it installed to. REMEMBER THIS LOCATION, it will be needed when we install BlueJ it could be something like this:

% cd /home/megaman/Programs

execute the .bin file that you downloaded, modify the path and filename provided below to the location of your .bin file

% sudo /home/megaman/Downloads/jdk-6u<version>-linux-i586.bin

Installing BlueJ

You should have already downloaded the BlueJ .jar file.

Execute it from the terminal (change filename and filepath as necessary)

% java -jar  /home/megaman/Downloads/vtbluej-253-307.jar

After you execute this command an installer window should pop up asking you for an install directory and a Java directory. Choose whatever install directory you wish, it usually makes life a little easier if you keep all this stuff organized and in the same place. Now under the Java directory recall the location that you installed the JDK to (if you forgot you can type in "history" without the double quotes into the terminal and backtrack) Point it to that location and click install.

BlueJ should now be installed, it can be run by executing the file named bluej in the directory which you installed it. You can create a desktop shortcut by right-clicking blank space on your desktop and clicking "Create Launcher". A set up window should pop up. Default for the first box is "Application" leave it as that. Name it. Then under command, browse to the location you installed BlueJ and select "bluej". You can also select a new icon for the launcher by right clicking it. Then clicking on the icon at the top left of the window and selecting the picture file.

...and you should be good