Saylor Academy

1.3.2: Interpreted vs. Compiled Languages

Wikibooks: "Compiler Construction: Introduction"
This article defines a "compiler" and an "interpreter." A compiler translates from one programming language to another. The translated program is saved and can be executed at a later time, hence the terms, "compile time" and "execution time." An interpreter, on the other hand, translates a program and executes it at the same time. To execute it again, the interpreter would have to translate it again and then re-execute it. The following reading will elaborate on this distinction.
"Translators: Compilers and Interpreters"
This article elaborates on the distinction between compliers and interpreters.

1.3.3: Compiling and Running a Simple Java Program

1.3.3.1: Option 1 - Using an Online IDE
- Repl.it Online Java IDE
  For writing your first programs, when you're only working with a few lines of code in one file, you will probably find it easier to use an online integrated development environment (IDE). These allow you to compile and run programs quickly and easily using only your browser. This link will take you to Repl.it, which has a free online Java IDE that you may use for many of the exercises in this course. Note that you may be asked to log in, but this is entirely optional, and is only useful if you want to save your code for later.
  The next subunit in this course will discuss how to install Java on your machine, if you choose to do so, but please note that this is optional, and we recommend using an online IDE until you are comfortable with the language and want to dig in deeper.
1.3.3.2: Option 2 - Installing Java on Your Machine
- Nanyang Technological University: "Downloading and Installing JDK" URL
  If you are comfortable with installing software on your machine, or if you'd prefer not to use an online IDE, you may refer to this page, which discusses how to download and install the latest version of JDK. Even so, we recommend using an online IDE, as described in the section above, for writing your first simple programs for this course and getting used to Java.
  If you do decide to install Java on your machine, read the instructions carefully to set the "classpath" mentioned in Step 3. Once JDK has been installed, you can write a simple Java program using an editor such as notepad and run it from a command prompt. Alternatively, Java programs can be written using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) such as NetBeans, described below.
- Nanyang Technological University: "Downloading and Installing NetBeans IDE" URL
  These instructions describe how to download and install NetBeans, a commonly used IDE for Java programming. Using an IDE means that you have all of the tools you need in one place -- your "development environment" -- instead of having to organize things manually. If you decide to install NetBeans, use the instructions in Step 2 to write a simple Java program called "Hello.java," and then compile and run it.
  Again, keep in mind that installing NetBeans is entirely optional, and we recommend using an online IDE like the one described in subunit 1.3.3.1 for most of the exercises in this course.
1.3.3.3: Java Application Programming Interface (API)
- The Java Application Programming Interface (API) Page
  Read this article, which describes the Java Application Programming Interface (API). The Java API is a list of all classes that are part of the Java Development Kit (JDK). It includes all Java packages, classes, and interfaces, along with their methods, fields, and constructors. These pre-written classes provide a tremendous amount of functionality to programmers, and you should be aware of these classes and should know how to use them.

1.3.4: Byte Code vs. Machine Code

Central Connecticut State University: Bradley Kjell's "Introduction to Computer Science Using Java, Chapter 5: Introduction to Java" URL
Please work through this tutorial. As you work through the notes, think about and answer the questions at the bottom of each page.
Central Connecticut State University: Bradley Kjell's "Introduction to Computer Science Using Java: Fill in the Blanks Exercise for Chapter 5" URL
Please think of the word to fill in the blank for each statement.

CS101: Introduction to Computer Science I

1.3.2: Interpreted vs. Compiled Languages

1.3.3: Compiling and Running a Simple Java Program

1.3.3.1: Option 1 - Using an Online IDE

1.3.3.2: Option 2 - Installing Java on Your Machine

1.3.3.3: Java Application Programming Interface (API)

1.3.4: Byte Code vs. Machine Code