Java programming on a Mac using the IntelliJ IDE.

The IntelliJ IDE provides an relatively easy to use Java programming environment that can be utilized to complete the programming assignments for ITP120. Although the IDE is not as full featured as Eclipse or NetBeans, the IntelliJ IDE provides enough features needed to complete the assignments for the class.

Step 1: Obtain the Java JVM for OS X.

If you are running OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, the Java software is already installed on the system.

If you are running OS X 10.7 Lion, the Java software will need to be downloaded from the following location:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1421

Step 2: Install the Java software on the MAC.

The file will download to the ~<username>/Downloads folder where <username> is the login of the user. Navigate to that folder using Finder and mount the JavaForMacOSX10.7.dmg (Disk Image) file by double-clicking on it.

To install the Java environment, double click on the JavaForMacOSX10.7.pkg installer that will appear in the finder window after opening the DMG file.

The JAVA_HOME directory is located in /Library/Java/Home/bin on the system drive. You will need that information later when you configure IntelliJ.

Step 3: Download the IntelliJ IDE.

http://www.jetbrains.com/idea/download/index.html

Download the idea-11.0.dmg Mac OS X Disk Image file. You will be using the Community (free) edition for the class.

Step 4: Install the IntelliJ software on the MAC.

Mount the DMG file the same way as you mounted the Java DMG file. It is located in the same Downloads folder as the Java DMG file.

Copy IntelliJ IDEA to your Applications folder by dragging the icon using Finder.

Unmount both Disk Images by dragging them to the trash.

Step 5: Configure the IntelliJ IDE to use the Java 1.6_29 software.

When you create your first project, a wizard will appear that will guide you through the steps necessary to create a project. The first time that the wizard executes, it will ask you where Java is located.

Use the browse button to navigate to the /Library/Java/Home directory. The IntelliJ software will pick up the version of the Java software if it is successful in finding the Java software.

Notes: For this class it is suggested that you use file based (.ipr) projects.

The software will create a project directory tree under your home directory if the defaults are used.

The .java files are located under the src directory and the .class files are located under the production directory for each project.

More information about the software is available on the Jetbrains website.