IDEs
For this class, you should think twice about using an IDE. An
IDE (Integrated Development Environment) would include (but is not
limited to) the following:
- JBuilder
- NetBeans
- Visual Cafe
- JDeveloper
- BlueJ
- etc.
I define an IDE as a tool that generates code, compiles it, and
runs the debugger in one environment. While these tools are not
a bad idea, and in fact can make you very productive, I still
do not want you to use them. This is not because I want to make
your life harder, but for these reasons:
- IDEs can mask classpath problems
- IDEs can make Application Server (Tomcat) configuration
difficult to find (and change). You will need to learn how
to setup Tomcat without the IDE doing the work for you.
- IDEs will generate code you don't understand
- IDEs will generate code that is hard to read (and grade)
- An IDE can make your build process trivial, masking the
build problems you will have later when you move your code
(or ask me for help in debugging it)
