Getting started with your first applet

If you have not already installed VisualAge for Java, refer to the readme.txt file on the product CD for information on how to install the product. The VisualAge for Java installation program installs all the files that are necessary for your development environment.

Starting VisualAge for Java

You can start VisualAge for Java by doing one of the following:

[Enterprise edition only] When you first start VisualAge for Java, Enterprise Edition, you will be prompted to choose an owner for your workspace and a network name for the user called Administrator. For the purposes of these exercises, you can select Administrator as your workspace owner. For a network name, use the name that identifies your computer to your network. For more information on the team programming environment, see the Getting Started document for VisualAge for Java, Enterprise Edition.

Now that you are up and running

After you start VisualAge for Java, the Workbench window appears:


Workbench window as seen in Enterprise edition

The Workbench window is used for accessing other windows, creating program elements, and viewing the contents of program elements.

Next, the VisualAge for Java Welcome window appears:
Welcome window

The VisualAge for Java Welcome window provides a fast path to creating applets, classes, and interfaces.

Choose Go to the Workbench and click OK.

Tip: Another useful window that helps you accomplish common tasks quickly and easily in the IDE is the Quick Start window. It includes tasks for creating program elements, learning to use the Scrapbook, managing the repository, and adding samples and useful beans to your workspace. You can launch it any time by pressing F2 or selecting QuickStart from the File menu in any IDE browser. Keep this in mind when you are creating and managing programs of your own in the IDE. For more information, see Using the Quick Start window.