Setting up the development environment
Before you can create your first MIDlet, you need to set up the software for developing and deploying MIDlets.
Figure: Setting up the development environment
Note: For detailed installation instructions, see the documentation provided with the software.
To install the required software:
Download and install the latest Java™ SE Development Kit (JDK). The JDK is required for compiling Java classes. The current instructions are based on JDK 6 Update 17.
Install an integrated development environment (IDE). You use the IDE to create the MIDlet. Nokia recommends using either Eclipse Pulsar ("Eclipse") or NetBeans IDE ("NetBeans"). The current instructions are based on Eclipse Pulsar Galileo and NetBeans IDE 6.7.1.
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
Integrated Java ME support
Supports both Series 40 SDKs and Symbian SDKs for Nokia devices
Supports a large variety of plugins 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
Supports both Series 40 SDKs and Symbian SDKs for Nokia devices
Can be used to deploy MIDlets to devices
Download and install the IDE of your choice:
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 Series 40 SDK. The current instructions are based on the Series 40 6th Edition SDK.
To create MIDlets for Symbian devices, use a Symbian SDK for Nokia devices. The current instructions are based on the all-in-one S60 5th Edition 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.
Download and install Nokia PC Suite. You need Nokia PC Suite for deploying the MIDlet to a device. The current instructions are based on Nokia PC Suite 7.1.
Instead of Nokia PC Suite, you can use the newer Nokia Ovi Suite for deploying MIDlets. However, the current instructions focus solely on Nokia PC Suite.
After installing the required software, integrate the IDE with the SDK: