Getting Started With the NetBeans IDE BlueJ Plugin
By dananourie on Sep 30, 2008
By Dana Nourie
BlueJ is an integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for teaching students object-oriented programming using the Java programming language. Although BlueJ covers the introductory phase of learning to program, the NetBeans IDE offers powerful tools for professional developers. Taking the inevitable step from one into the other has been a difficult barrier for students -- until now.
The collaboration of the NetBeans IDE and BlueJ teams has resulted in the NetBeans BlueJ plugin. This tool creates a smooth migration path for students learning the Java programming language from beginner's stage through to the use of professional development tools. In addition, this IDE provides a seamless path for students to switch from educational tools into a full-featured, professional IDE. The BlueJ plugin makes the transition between these two environments easier for students and teachers. Even if you are not familiar with BlueJ, the NetBeans BlueJ plugin is a great way to learn to use an IDE.
This article gets you started using the NetBeans BlueJ plugin. First, you'll discover how easy it is to load existing projects and edit them, and then you'll learn to create a new project and use drag-and-drop features to create a graphical user interface (GUI).
Developers unfamiliar with the BlueJ software will also learn everything they need to get started with this IDE and will benefit by following along with the examples.
To follow the descriptions and code examples, download the NetBeans IDE version 6.1 or later. In addition, download the BlueJ project Calculator.zip, which the first part of this article uses as an example. In the second part of the article, you create a small application called Address Book to learn various other IDE features.
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