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The Nature of a Program
To create a program in Java, you start by creating text files that contain your program code, written according to the syntax of the Java language. Using the Java compiler (javac), you turn these text files (one per class) into a byte-code formatted class file. Class files are executed using the Java run-time environment (java). In short, you write a text file containing your program code, compile it using javac, and run the resulting class file using java.
NOTE
Tip
Byte-code is the compiled form of Java code consisting of a concise instruction set designed to be executed with a Java Virtual Machine. It's machine language for a Java computer.
Most of the time, however, this process is simplified through the use of an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Popular IDEs, such as JBuilder, Sun ONE Studio, IDEA, and Eclipse, take care of most of the work of compiling and packaging your class files. They also offer a host of other features to make your programming life easier.
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