Comprehensive (or Nearly Comprehensive) Guide to Setting Up Your Development Environment in Java and Kotlin

regoanac

Anacarmem Araújo Rêgo

Posted on March 27, 2024

Comprehensive (or Nearly Comprehensive) Guide to Setting Up Your Development Environment in Java and Kotlin

Install Java Development Kit (JDK):

  • Go to the official Oracle website or adopt OpenJDK and download the latest version of the JDK compatible with your operating system.

  • Follow the installation instructions provided for your OS.

  • After installation, set the JAVA_HOME environment variable to the JDK installation directory. This helps other tools and applications locate the JDK:

  1. You will search in the search bar for "environment variables";

  2. FFind the "Path" within the system variables and click on "Edit";

  3. Click on "New" and paste the following path (java version may vary):

C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-19\bin
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

4.Create a new variable named "JAVA_HOME" and enter the path without the "" at the end in the "Variable Value" field.

  • And now to confirm the JDK installation you will enter in the command prompt:
java --version
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Choose an Integrated Development Environment (IDE):

  • Decide on an IDE suitable for Java and Kotlin development. IntelliJ IDEA is highly recommended for its robust support for both languages.

  • Download and install your chosen IDE from its official website.

  • During installation, you may customize the installation options based on your preferences.

  • After installation, launch the IDE and complete the initial setup wizard, including theme selection and plugin installation.

Install Kotlin:

  • If you're using IntelliJ IDEA, Kotlin is often bundled with it. Simply create a new Kotlin project, and the necessary Kotlin libraries will be automatically downloaded.

  • If not using IntelliJ IDEA, download the Kotlin compiler from the official Kotlin website and follow the installation instructions provided.

  • Set up the Kotlin plugin in your IDE if it's not already included. This enables Kotlin support in your Java projects.

Version Control System:

  • Install Git from the official Git website or using a package manager suitable for your operating system.

  • Follow the installation instructions provided for your OS.

  • After installation, open a terminal/command prompt and configure Git with your name and email using the 'git config' command.

Dependency Management:

  • Choose between Apache Maven and Gradle as your build automation tool.

  • Install Maven or Gradle by downloading the binaries from their official websites and following the installation instructions provided.

  • Configure your IDE to use Maven or Gradle for dependency management when creating or importing projects.

Testing Framework:

  • Decide on a testing framework such as JUnit or TestNG for writing unit tests.

  • Configure your IDE to recognize and run tests written in your chosen framework.

  • Install any necessary plugins or extensions for seamless integration with your IDE.

Database Integration (Optional):

  • If your project requires database interaction, install and configure a database server such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or H2.

  • Download and install the database server software following the instructions provided by the respective vendors.

  • Set up database drivers and connections in your project to enable communication between your application and the database.

Code Style and Quality Tools:

  • Configure your IDE to follow code style guidelines such as Google Java Style or Kotlin Coding Conventions.

  • Install and configure static code analysis tools like Checkstyle, PMD, or FindBugs to enforce coding standards and identify potential issues in your code.

Documentation:

  • Set up a documentation tool such as Javadoc (for Java) or Dokka (for Kotlin) to automatically generate API documentation from code comments.

  • Configure your build tool (Maven or Gradle) to generate documentation as part of the build process.

Project Setup:

  • Create a new project in your IDE by selecting the appropriate project type (Java or Kotlin) and providing a project name and location.

  • Configure project settings such as SDK and language level to match your JDK version and language preferences.

  • Alternatively, clone an existing project from version control (e.g., Git) by providing the repository URL and authentication credentials.

Learn and Explore:

  • Take the time to familiarize yourself with Java and Kotlin syntax, features, and best practices.

  • Explore tutorials, documentation, and sample projects to deepen your understanding and enhance your skills in both languages.

By following these detailed steps, you'll have a fully prepared development environment for Java and Kotlin development, enabling you to efficiently write, test, and maintain your code.

💖 💪 🙅 🚩
regoanac
Anacarmem Araújo Rêgo

Posted on March 27, 2024

Join Our Newsletter. No Spam, Only the good stuff.

Sign up to receive the latest update from our blog.

Related