Difference Between JDK and BlueJ



JDK (Java Development Kit) is a software development kit that contains all the necessary tools and components that are essential to develop a Java application.

Whereas BlueJ is an IDE that will make the process of developing a Java application a lot easier. BlueJ requires JDK installed on the system to work with Java applications.

Java Development Kit (JDK)

The Java Development Kit (JDK) contains all the essential libraries, tools, and all other important things to work with Java. You can't do programming in Java without JDK. The modern IDEs, like "IntelliJ IDEA" will already be equipped with Java essential components so that we don't have to manually install JDK.

JDK Components

The JDK mainly contains the following components ?

  • Java compiler (Javac) ? It converts source code to machine code (bytecode), which is later executed by the JVM.
  • JRE (Java Runtime Environment) ? It includes the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) and other libraries, which are necessary to run the compiled Java bytecode.
  • JAR (Java Archive) ? It is a package that can contain any kind of file but usually contains compiled Java codes (.class files) and other supporting files needed by the application.
  • Java doc (Java documentation) ? It is used to document the classes used in the code.
  • JDB (Java debugger) ? It is a command line tool used for debugging (identifying and fixing errors in the code).

JDK installation (windows)

Step 1 ? Navigate to https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html and click on the x64 MSI Installer download link.

Side?by?side screenshot comparing JDK command?line output and BlueJ GUI class diagram

Step 2 ? Open the downloaded file and install

BlueJ context?menu for invoking main method on a class in object bench

BlueJ project folder in Windows Explorer with .java files visible

Step 3 ? After installing, open the following file folder: "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-23\bin" and copy this path.

BlueJ main project window showing class diagram and toolbar

Step 4 ? Now search for "environmental variables" in the search bar and click on edit the system environment variables.

JDK tools folder listing including javac.exe, java.exe and jarsigner

Step 5 ? Click on Environment Variables in the Advanced tab.

BlueJ runtime terminal displaying output from System.out.println()

Step 6 ? Double-click on the path.

Visual Studio Code screenshot illustrating JDK components in path

Step 7 ? Click on New and paste the path "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-23\bin" and click on OK.

Windows environment variable settings window for configuring JAVA_HOME

Step 8 ? Click on new

BlueJ file?new project dialog prompting project folder creation

Step 9 ? In the variable name field, write "JAVA_Home" and in the variable value field, "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-23" and click on OK.

BlueJ splash screen or welcome dialog at startup

Step 10 ? To verify if JDK is properly installed on your system, search for cmd and open it. Type the command "java -version". If the Java version is visible, then it is successfully installed.

Installer dialog window for JDK setup on Windows system

BlueJ

IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software application that combines several tools essential for application development into a graphical user interface (GUI) application, which enriches the user experience and will make the process much easier for programmers. Popular IDEs are Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, BlueJ, and Eclipse.

BlueJ is an IDE used to write, edit, and execute Java programs. It acts as a communication platform between the programmer and JDK. It was specifically made to support teaching Java programming to beginners. Its interactive visual environment makes it easier for people with limited programming knowledge to learn Java and its object-oriented programming concepts. Even though BlueJ is a great IDE for beginners, it lacks advanced features that are available in professional IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse, which makes them not suitable for large projects.

BlueJ Installation

Step 1 ? Go to https://www.bluej.org/Step 2 ? Click on the Windows option.

Command?line ?java -version' output verifying installed JDK version

Step 3 ? After the file is downloaded, open the file and click on Next.

Windows command?prompt output of ?javac' compiling a Java file via JDK

BlueJ compile confirmation dialog showing ?Class compiled - no syntax errors

BlueJ object bench displaying runtime objects for testing methods></p>
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Step 4 ? Click on Install, and BlueJ will be installed on your system.

BlueJ IDE showing interactive class diagram with object bench and editor

JDK vs BlueJ

The key differences between JDK and BlueJ are listed in the following table.

JDK BlueJ
JDK is a software development kit BlueJ is an IDE
It contains the core components which are necessary for java programming It is not necessary but improves the coding experience
It provides command-line tools It provides simple Graphical User Interface
It is not so user-friendly It is user-friendly
Suitable for professionals Suitable for beginners
Can be used for large projects Can be used only for small projects
Support Advanced tools like Maven which are essential for building large Java projects Does not support advanced tools like Maven
JDK require separate steps for coding , compiling, debugging and running the code BlueJ brings all the steps together in one place
Does not necessarily require an IDE to work Require JDK to work

Updated on: 2025-02-28T11:09:15+05:30

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