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# Getting Started

> ### by Kathy Walrath and Mary Campione

> The lessons in this trail show you the simplest possible Java programs and tell you how to compile and run them. They then go on to explain the programs, giving you the background knowledge you need to understand how they work.

> Before you can compile a program, you need to have a Java compiler. The Java Development Kit (JDK) provides a compiler you can use. The JDK also provides an interpreter you can use to run Java applications. To run Java applets, you can use the JDK Applet Viewer or any Java-compatible Web browser, such as the HotJava browser.

> The "Hello World" Application is where you should start if you're interested in writing a standalone application -- a Java program that executes independently of any browser. This lesson also introduces some concepts that will help you understand any Java program: how to define a Java class and how to use supporting classes and objects.

> The "Hello World" Applet is the place to start if you want to write an applet -- a Java program to be included in HTML pages and executed in a Java-compatible browser.

> Common Compiler and Interpreter Problems (and Their Solutions) is the place to go if you have trouble compiling or running your first Java program.

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