Setting up the development environment
Before you can create your first MIDlet, you need to set up the software for developing and deploying MIDlets, that is, the Java ME development environment.
Figure: Setting up the development environment
Computer requirements
Before setting up the development environment, make sure your computer meets the following minimum requirements:
Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, or 7
2.6 GHz Intel Pentium IV processor
2 GB RAM
3 GB of free disk space (or more if you plan to install multiple SDKs)
Setting up the development environment
Note: For detailed installation instructions, see the documentation provided with the respective software.
To set up the development environment:
Download and install the latest Java™ SE Development Kit (JDK). The JDK is required for compiling Java classes.
Install an integrated development environment (IDE). You use the IDE to create the MIDlet. Nokia recommends using either Eclipse or NetBeans IDE ("NetBeans").
If you are new to Java ME development or have no previous experience of either IDE, consider the highlights of both IDEs:
Table: Highlights of Eclipse and NetBeans IDE
Highlights
Eclipse
Ideal for experienced Java developers
Supports a large variety of plug-ins for application development
Easy to install
NetBeans
Ideal for new developers with little or no Java experience
Intuitive user interface with clear menus and window placement
Integrated Java ME support
Can be used to deploy MIDlets to devices
Download and install the IDE of your choice:
Eclipse (choose an installation bundle for Java developers)
After you have installed Eclipse on your computer, install the Mobile Tools for Java plug-in. The plug-in is required for developing MIDlets in Eclipse. Use Eclipse's native software installation wizard to install the plug-in. For more information, see Installing new software in the Eclipse documentation.
NetBeans (choose an installation bundle that supports Java ME)
Note: When installing NetBeans, select to customize the installation and uncheck the Features on Demand option.
If you are already using either Eclipse or NetBeans, make sure that your installation of the IDE supports Java ME.
Download and install a software development kit (SDK) that supports Java ME. The SDK provides Java ME class libraries that the IDE requires for building MIDlets for a particular device platform.
To create MIDlets for Series 40 devices, use a Nokia SDK for Java. If you are creating MIDlets for Series 40 6th Edition or earlier Series 40 devices, use the corresponding Series 40 SDK.
To create MIDlets for Symbian devices, use a Symbian SDK.
Note: To ensure that the SDK can be properly integrated with the IDE, install the SDK on the same logical drive as the IDE.
Optionally, download and install Nokia Suite. You can use Nokia Suite to deploy the MIDlet to a device.
Integrate the IDE with the SDK: