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Fast Track to XML and Java: Lab Setup Instructions (Standard on Mac OS: Java 8 and Eclipse)

Below are the standard requirements for this course. If you have any questions or issues, please contact us.

Important Note: Student lab files are required on each computer used for the course. The links for these are not in this lab setup, and you should receive them separately.

Other notes:

  • It’s a good idea to keep downloaded software install files on the machines during the class in case of problems that require a re-install.
  • Cloning a setup is generally not a problem. If it is, we’ll mention it in the software section (for example, much of the IBM/RAD-WAS software can be problematic in this regard).

Hardware and classroom setup.

Each student and the instructor shall have a workstation that fulfills the listed requirements.

  • Required: Intel-compatible processor (with reasonably recent hardware).
  • Memory: 8GB min recommended
  • Disk Space: Free disk space for software installs (generally minimum 2GB)
  • Operating System: Windows OS (Any modern version - e.g. Windows 10. - labs have not been tested on Windows 8 variants)
  • Required: Zip utility. A good free one is 7-zip
  • Required: Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Required: One of Firefox browser (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/) or Chrome browser (https://www.google.com/chrome/). Edge browser is not sufficient.
  • Recommended: Internet access
  • Recommended: Class machines networked together - allows students to access a shared network directory.

Install 7-zip 

We’ve found that there are sometimes problems using the built in Windows archive/zip utility. This generally has to do with long path lengths that it can’t handle. Use 7-zip to extract the labs and any software zips which we’ve found very reliable.

  • Can try direct download link for 64-bit install: https://www.7-zip.org/a/7z2301-x64.exe
  • If that doesn’t work, go to home page https://www.7-zip.org
  • Near the top of the page, find the download link for your bitness (probably 64 bit), and download the installer.
  • Execute the installer, and take all the defaults.
  • You can now extract zip files by right clicking on them, and selecting 7-Zip | Extract ...

Lab Files: Each student and instructor must have lab files installed (links to these files are generally sent separately via e-mail).

  • Extract the lab files to a location conveniently accessible to the student (e.g. C:\ )
  • Recommend using utility like 7-zip, not Windows built-in extractor.
  • If using folder other than C:\, make sure that students know where they are.

Other instructor requirements for the classroom

  • Projector or large screen TV capable of 1280x800 or higher resolution. Instructor must be able to use this to project slides.
  • Whiteboard (preferred) or flip charts with markers.

Install Java Development Kit – JDK 1.8 Update 271

  • Note that any relatively recent JDK1.8 version is fine.
     
  • From http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html download the installer file
    • Mac OS: xxx-macosx-x64.dmg

  • Run the installer and take all defaults.

  • Create or modify environment variables. This will add an environment variable JAVA_HOME, and modify your path to include the jdk bin folder
    • Done by modifying .bash_profile in the user’s home folder
      • Open ~/.bash_profile for editing (Make a copy first - .bash_profile.ORIG)
      • Insert the following lines into the file:

        export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home)

        export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH

  • Open a terminal prompt, type the below, and press Enter

    javac -version

    You should get a message that tells you the version. If the command is not found, you did something wrong.

  • Close the terminal prompt. You’re done installing Java

Install Eclipse Oxygen

(Version 4.7.3a or similar)

  • Download: From http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/packages/eclipse-ide-java-ee-developers/oxygen3a, download the installer file for your OS

    NOTE: Look for the Download Links section in the page. Do NOT use the big Download button.
    • Mac OS: xxx-macosx-cocoa-x86_64.dmg

  • Execute the installer
    • Execute the installer, and install to Applications folder as usual

  • Test
    • Run the program (run from Applications folder unless you did a different kind of install)
    • Accept the default workspace, and let it load
    • Quit Eclipse
    • Security alert Note: If you get an alert that you can’t open Eclipse because it’s from an unidentified developer, then dismiss the alert (OK), and do the following.
      • Hold the Control key when you click on the icon for Eclipse
      • Choose Open from the shortcut menu
      • Click Open in the subsequent dialog window
      • This will save the security exception and permit opening in the future.
         
  • That’s it. You’re done installing Eclipse