How to Set a Java Path

Once the Java SDK is installed the path variables must be set so that programs written in Java will be executable from any system directory. The most important programs referenced in the path setting are "java" and "javac," which are essential to appropriate compilation. The path variables are set for convenience purposes as alternatively the path could be specified at the command prompt every time a program is compiled. This article demonstrates how to set the java path variables for Windows Vista.

Things You'll Need

• Java SDK installed

Instructions

Setting the Path

1. 

   Determine what version of Java is installed on your computer. To do this go to the Windows command prompt and type "java -version" and press "Enter." A read out will appear with your version number. It should look something like "jre1.6.0_02" etc. Take note of the version on a piece of paper.

2. 

   Open the "System" option. To do this go to "Start," "Setting," "Control panel" and "System." Once you have found the "System" icon, double click on it and a window will open with general information about the computer.

3. 

   Open the environmental variables menu. On the left hand side of the "System" page click on "Advanced System Settings" and press "Continue" when prompted for permission. When the "System Properties" dialog box opens, select the "Advanced" tab and then press the "Environment Variables" button at the bottom right. The "Environmental Variables" dialog box will appear.

4. 

   Set the path variable. Press the "New" option at the bottom of the window and a "New System Variable" dialog box will appear. In the "Variable Name" area type "path" and in the space for "Variable Value" type "C:\Program Files\Java\your_java_version\bin." Then press OK. Make sure to use the version of Java you wrote down in step 1.

5. 

   Check that the path variable has been accepted. To check for the path variable go to the "System Variables" menu and select the first variable, but do not double click on it. Use the arrow keys to move down until you find the name "path." Once you have found it press "OK" to exit the dialog box.

Tips & Warnings

• Similar procedures are used for other versions of Windows as far back as 95.

References

• Hewet, E. (2004) Java Garage. Prentice Hall