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JDK is the software development kit for creating Java programs. Instructions below show you step-by-step how to install and set it up.

1. Download Java Development Kit(JDK). Install it and follow the instructions shown on the screen.
2. Create an environment variable JAVA_HOME and set its value to the folder path of you JDK installation(e.g. C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_06).
   1. Depending on the version of your MS Windows, the steps below may be different but similar.
      • If you are using MS Windows XP, then open [Classic View]Control Panel->System->Advanced->Environment Variables.
      • If you are using MS Windows Vista, then open [Classic View] Control Panel->System->Advanced system settings->Advanced->Environment Variables.
   2. Under the User variables for XYZ(e.g. Administrator) section, click on the New... button.
   3. Enter the variable name as JAVA_HOME.
   4. Enter the variable value as the installation path for the Java Development Kit.
   5. Click on the OK button.
3. Now, add the BIN folder of your JDK to the PATH environment variable.
   1. Under the User variables for XYZ(e.g. Administrator) section, search for the PATH variable. If the PATH variable is not listed, then create it. Otherwise, edit it.
   2. If you have to edit the PATH, then select it. Click on the Edit button and append the following line to the Variable value input field:
      

      ;%JAVA_HOME%\bin
       

   3. If you have to create the PATH, then click on the New button. Set the Variable name to PATH and then set the Variable value to
      

      %JAVA_HOME%\bin
       

   4. Click on the OK button.
   5. Open a new Command Prompt for the change to take effect and then execute the following command:
      

      javac -version
       

      
      It should show the version number of your Java Compiler(javac).