you can compile through Xcode, eclipse, or just through the terminal
javac filename.java
to compile it
java filename
to run it
If you have multiple files using each other than by compiling your main starting file all other files should compile at the same time.
Apple always seems to be behind with the latest and greatest Java. You can sign up with http://developer.apple.com/ (also free) and if there is a newer version it will show up there first. For the longest time that was the only way to get Java 1.5.
Apple always seems to be behind with the latest and greatest Java. You can sign up with http://developer.apple.com/ (also free) and if there is a newer version it will show up there first. For the longest time that was the only way to get Java 1.5.
Another vote for Eclipse, it's what I started coding Java on and it's really easy to get into and start using. Though, if you plan on not hardcoding your interfaces, go with netbeans.