Install Your Tools

Proficiency in web and software development requires more than just a grasp of programming languages. Developers must also be familiar with a wide assortment of tools and technologies—specifically, tools that they can use to create software to share with people around the world.

The Netflix Java Fundamentals Boot Camp will expose you to many tools, some (or all) of which will be new to you. Believe it or not, you'll soon find these tools as familiar as your email or an app on your phone.

We'll summarize each tool here and then help you install them before the first class.

Ready for Action

Make sure that you have the following items available before continuing the prework:

  • A macOS or Windows laptop with 8 GB RAM and 64-bit dual processor

Note: You cannot use Linux in this course.

  • Webcam, microphone, and headphones

  • An external monitor compatible with laptop or desktop (recommended but not required)

  • High-speed internet connection (minimum download speed of 25 Mbps and minimum upload speed of 5 Mbps)

If you don't already have a GitHub account, create one by visiting the GitHub website.

Required Software

Have the following tools ready to go on your first day of class:

Note: You'll have time on the first day of class to check that you correctly installed all the tools!

An Overview of Your Tools

Before installing your tools, take some time to examine each of them in more detail so that you can better understand the role they will play in the course.

Git Bash and Terminal

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Git Bash (for Windows) and Terminal (for macOS) offer a command-line interface for working with the files and folders on your computer.

You might wonder if they resemble File Explorer or Finder. Sort of—except that they don't have pictures or other visuals. Each is just a box with text.

This might seem unappealing, but you'll soon learn that in many situations (especially with Git), a command-line interface proves faster and more effective than the graphical user interface (GUI) of the operating system.

You'll get plenty of exposure to the command line at the beginning of the course!

Git and GitHub

Code files are chiefly collaborative, because developers constantly build on each other's work. Git is a version control system that offers a set of strategies for orchestrating this collaboration. GitHub stores these collaborative actions online. You can think of GitHub as Dropbox for coders: it offers a central place for developers to upload their code, review the revision history, and change a main set of files.

You'll learn a lot about Git and GitHub during your first week of class. You'll receive the link to your class-specific repository during the orientation.

Xcode (macOS Only)

Xcode is a development suite designed only for macOS. In this course, we'll mainly use IntelliJ IDEA; however, installing Xcode sets up some of the other required tools, including Git.

Java Development Kit (JDK)

The JDK is a set of libraries and tools that you can use to create and run Java applications. You'll use it throughout the course.

IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is an integrated development environment (IDE) that eases the process of developing software. An IDE typically includes a text editor, a compiler, build integration, debugging, and more. IntelliJ IDEA is designed specifically for Java development.

Ready, Set, Go

Now it's time to install your tools! Use one of the following installation guides, depending on whether you use macOS or Windows:

Note: You'll frequently need to install and use unfamiliar tools throughout the course. Resist the urge to stop and ask whether you're doing it right—just trust your instincts and try your best. If you get stuck, we'll get you the help you need right away. You can do this!