NetBeans Tips

Installing and starting NetBeans

Installing and starting NetBeans

A great guide to installing and using NetBeans

Getting the NetBeans IDE

If you feel adventurous, you can set up your own IDE development environment such as NetBeans, Eclipse, or even work directly with the JDK from the command line. Please be aware that if you download and install software on your own computer, you will be responsible for resolving any installation or troubleshooting issues. Installing your own Java development environment can be an excellent pedagogical tool but ONLY if you are willing to manage your own support.

That being said, if you do feel ambitious, here are two helpful videos showing how to download and run NetBeans for Java:

• Video 1: Installing NetBeans on Windows
• Video 2: NetBeans IDE Basics
• Video 3: Java NetBeans Tutorial

Steps to Install NetBeans (Modern Method)

1. Install the Java Development Kit (JDK):

• Go to the Oracle JDK Downloads page or use Adoptium Temurin for an open-source alternative.

• Download the latest JDK version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).

• Run the installer and follow the prompts (defaults are fine).

2. Download and Install NetBeans IDE:

• Visit the Apache NetBeans Download page.

• Choose the installer for your operating system (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, or Linux .deb/.rpm).

• Run the installer and follow the instructions.

3. Launch NetBeans:

• Start the NetBeans IDE from your Start menu (Windows), Applications folder (macOS), or from the terminal/desktop launcher (Linux).

• Create your first Java project:

  • Go to File → New Project.

  • Choose Java → Java Application.

  • Name your project and click Finish.

Helpful Resources for NetBeans

• Apache NetBeans Official Site

• NetBeans Tutorials on Apache Wiki

• How to Install NetBeans (Step-by-Step Guide)

Summary Table

Getting Started with NetBeans

• You can start using NetBeans by first creating a new project
  • This will create the file structure for the classes, virtual machine, etc.
• Just like starting a new Word template, you start with a basic stub/outline that you can customize as desired:
  
  
  
  
• After you have created and saved your project, you can re-open it to make changes, additions,etc.

Getting a handle on the User Interface

• The NetBeans IDE is composed of the following components:
  
  
  
  
• If you ever lose the Output Window, you can click Ctrl-4 (hold down the Control Button, then press the 4 key) to bring it back
  • If the Output Window is maximized across the entire botton "band" of the NetBeans window, you can use the "Dock" icon (it looks like two squares laying on top of each other) to re-size the Output Window.
• This same process holds true for all of the "windows" inside NetBeans. If you click on the "Window" menu in the Menu bar near the top of the NetBeans console, you will see a list of the keyboard shortcuts.

NetBeans Interface Tips

Managing files, classes, etc.

1. Adding a class to a project How to add a new class (or file) to a NetBeans project
2. Running Java Programs Great reference detailing how to run the whole project or an individual file
3. Rename a class How to rename (or refactor) a class, variable, etc. (refactoring/renaming a class automatically changes the .java file's name appropriately for you!)

General Tips

1. NetBeans Project Management: Start new projects and choose Properties->Run to set main class
2. Java Tips: scan.nextInt() doesn't flush buffer so issue a scan.nextLine() after it
3. NetBeans Project Files Location Where does NetBeans store its project files?

Shortcuts in NetBeans

1. Type sout and hit TAB for System.out.println();
2. Type psvm and hit TAB for public static void main(String args[]) {}

NetBeans Configuration

1. Incorporating Images: To incorporate images into your NetBeans project (as opposed to other IDEs like Eclipse), either put them in the project's root folder or add a folder of type resources or images and then put the image there (in Eclipse you can put it directly in src). Or use ImageIcon fillingIcon = new ImageIcon(getClass().getClassLoader().getResource("filling.jpg")); to do it in a package independent way (in a static method, use CLASSNAME.class. instead of getClass().).
2. Code Completion (pre-v8): Unlike other IDEs like Eclipse, NetBeans makes you press CTRL-SPACE in order to do code completion. In order to have code completion occur automatically as you type, you can go to Tools -> Options -> Editor -> Code Completion, choose Java as your Language, and then check the Auto Popup on Typing Any Java Identifier Part checkbox. If you further set the Completion Selectors to [.,;:([+-=] (note the extra space at the end), you will get completion for both variables and methods, as well.