textpad will run my JAVA program but not compile it

[fastfinger]

I've tried searching for similar situations but can't resolve this problem I'm using Win XP
1)installed Java ..... ( C:\Sun\AppServer\jdk\bin\javac.exe ) that is making me worried about the path as others seem to only have it in a C:\JAVA folder -- maybe my download/install was not the best !
2) downloaded Textpad
3) used Control Panel - System - System Properties - Advanced-Environment Variables- Path edit ... C:\Program Files\java\j2v1.4.2_05\bin; C:\Sun\AppServer\jdk\bin
I can load in a previously working Java program like Hello World... I can used Ctrl 2 to run the application -- it's just that I can't use Textpad to enter an new program ( or even use Hello World) to COMPILE

Seems you have to be a DOS expert to get textpadc to work...

My goal is to make java programs for my school work... but if I can't get textpad to work I'll go with BlueJ as my IDE
Any HELP/ideas will be greatly appreciated

[talleyrand]

We love to help with wonderful ideas around here.
First question off the bat would can you compile fine from a command window? And if so, are you using the same javac.exe that TextPad will use?

[fastfinger]

thanks talleyrand for the heads up -- I managed to place a copy of my hello world in the bin folder C:|Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin and then I was able to find it using Textpad and DOS.
So I'm pretty sure I downloaded the SUN Java language incorrectly - or worse - multiple times/places. I'd hate to erase everything and be back to square one! Do I need the JRE or just the JDK ? Should I have the files in a folder like I do ( in Program Files) -0 or should they be in a SUN folder ( like I also do !!! )-- or in some entirely other folder. I gotta admit that typing this long path in DOS is tiresome - and makes me want to use a IDE. I'm heavily leaning to BlueJ since it gives the opportunity to test small snippets of programming without having to build a huge project... and the flowchart like disagrams are wonderful.

Should I clean out one of these folders -- as it seems I am clogging up my hard drive now withat least two different JAVA downloads! And that would mean possibly changing the environment variables again?

Pay it forward --- everyone needs someone to help them sometimes --- a few of us need help more often then others-- thanks for helping!

[fastfinger]

I should have tested more before I claimed success. I can't get Textpad to compile any program other than ones sitting in C:\Sun\AppServer\jdk\ bin... I can't compile a file from any other folder.. not even a folder within the \bin \myJavaStuff.. so I'm still not able to access any/all programs on my harddrive. I want to put my files into different folders.. and yet be able to get at any of them - compile and run from their storage folder locations.
I'm sure that this is a classpath problem -- and my multiple downloads of the language isn't helping...
I have questions like when to use private vs public , about using static... but for now - I just need to get this language working with textpad.
I'm only moderately accomplished at DOS and such, so please indicate step by step suggestions to setting up my computer. Thanks again!

[Bob Hansen]

I don't think that you have answered talleyrand's first questions:

...can you compile fine from a command window? And if so, are you using the same javac.exe that TextPad will use?

If you want step by step instructions, then you will have to be patient and work with him, answering his questions, and not running ahead.

[fastfinger]

Thanks for helping - I'll try to be more specific.
I placed a copy of my little program in the bin folder and it was able to be compiled -- but only in the C:\Sun\AppServer\jdk\bin but I'm not sure if that is the one that Textpad will be using.
I made a subfolder in \bin called C:\Sun\AppServer\jdk\bin \CHS and placed a copy of my program there- but DOS will not compile it from inside that folder.

I placed a copy of my program in C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin but it won't compile from that \bin folder.

I used Control Panel - System - Advanced- Environment Variables - to edit --- C:\Program Files\java\j2v1.4.2_05\bin; C:\Sun\AppServer\jdk\bin; c:\Sun\AppServer\jdk\jre\bin

these are the several places I have a \bin ( perhaps that's one of my problems!)

How do I check where Textpad is expecting to find the javac ?
Then I need to make a folder to keep the files I create from being intermixed with everything else.

thanks again - it's people like you who help us beginners move on