Getting set up: API and PATH

Hi all. I am a total Java newbie, reading through "Head First Java." Two questions as I'm just getting set up:

1. The book says I should download the API documentation. However, when I go on Oracle's website, all I see are the downloads for the JDK and JRE. I see a section of API documentation but not where to download it. Am I missing something?

2. The book also says I need to "add an entry to your PATH environment variable that points to the /bin directory inside the main Java directory." I understand exactly what this means, but HOW do I do it?

Much thanks!

Oh, and for reference, I have a Mac with OSX 10.6, so I have the JDK 1.6.

ad 1) You can download the latest docs here (go to Java SE 6 Updat 26, the API link is below the download link for the JDK)

ad 2) If you're using OSX 10.6, you should not have to add java to the PATH variable - that is something only windows users really have to do :-). You can test whether your installation is set up properly by opening up a terminal and executing javac (including the 'c' for compiler).

From one "Greenhorn" to another, thanks!

Welcome to the Ranch

The information is out of date; Java7 was released at the end of July. The installation instructions (§4, I think) tell you how to set your PATH. So does our FAQ.

Campbell Ritchie wrote:Java7 was released at the end of July.

But not yet for Mac OS X!

Jesper de Jong wrote: . . . But not yet for Mac OS X!

Damn! I didn't notice that bit.

So somebody has finally found an advantage to buying a PC rather than a Mac