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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 JDK. Install it and follow the instructions shown on the screen.
2. Now that the JDK is installed, you have to add the binary folder path of the JDK to the PATH environment variable of your MS Windows.
   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 X(e.g. Administrator) section, search for the PATH variable. If the PATH variable is not listed, then create it. Otherwise, edit it.
   3. 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:
      

      ;C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_06\bin
       

      
      Note: There is a semicolon(;) in front and the path may be different in your case depending on the location where you did install your JDK or the version number of your JDK. The semicolon(;) is used to separated multiple paths.
   4. 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
      

      C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_06\bin
       

      
      Note: The path may be different in your case depending on the location where you did install your JDK or the version number of your JDK. The semicolon(;) is used to separated multiple paths.
   5. Click on the OK buttons.
   6. 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).