Steve: You are correct when you say that JDK1.2.2 does not require a classpath variable. The reason this is is that the javac compiler already has a defined classpath variable which includes the current directory. I have been deveolping Java programs ever since it first became a language. I studied Java at SUNY Oswego starting 6 years ago under Doug Lea (who develop the java.util stuff for Java). The first release of java required this. I stand corrected. However, Java enables you to package certain classes. This is java's way of grouping classes together under a common name. When you type import java.awt; you are importing a package. Because I have developed Java programs for such a long time, I have a classpath which is set to this $HOME/public_html/:. This allows me to declare all of my program under the $HOME/public_html directory as packages. For example imagine that there is a file called $HOME/public_html/Applets/HellowWorldApplet.java I add a line in my file declaring that this file is a memebr of the pacakge Applets. The line would look like this package Applets; This example does not really show you how to use packages, however you can imagine a lot of programs which have the same function (like java.lang, java.util, java.awt, java.applet) would be packaged together. This allows protected variables to be accessed and altered within the Java Security model. I hope this explains a little better why a CLASSPATH evironment variable may or may not be needed in your circumstance. Sorry for any confusion. Since this is not a Java mailing list you can feel free to mail me personally if you feel your questions do not pertain to most peopleon this list. Christopher T. Beers Systems Administrator Computer Sciences Corporation Syracuse, New York (315)432-6911 voice (315)432-3450 fax On Sun, 12 Mar 2000, Steven T. Hatton wrote:
Christopher,
If I remember correctly Java 2 doesn't require a classpath unless you add class outside of the core distribution. Most extensions can be put in the jre/lib/ext and will be found without a class path. Java is a bit arcane behind the scenes. It's getting better. Or perhaps I'm finally getting the hang of it.
Steve
-- To unsubscribe send e-mail to suse-linux-e-unsubscribe@suse.com For additional commands send e-mail to suse-linux-e-help@suse.com Also check the FAQ at http://www.suse.com/Support/Doku/FAQ/