How to Prepare Your Computer for Java and Install IntelliJ IDEA commiunity edition on Arch Linux -

intellij-idea-community-archlinux

How to Prepare Your Computer for Java and Install IntelliJ IDEA community edition on Arch Linux

Step 1: Summon Java (The Digital Butler You Didn’t Know You Needed)

Before you dive headfirst into the magical world of Java coding, you need a butler—Java. Think of Java like Alfred to your Batman: always there to help, but with a side of developer sass.

Open up your trusty terminal (that magical black box that makes you look 10x smarter) and type:

sudo pacman -S jdk-openjdk

This installs the latest version of OpenJDK. But hey, maybe you’re one of those Java purists and prefer a particular vintage? No problem. Here’s your tasting menu:

jdk8-openjdk: Java 8, perfect for that ancient code you wrote when email was still considered cool.
Spelling: J-D-K-eight dash O-P-E-N-J-D-K
jdk11-openjdk: The Long-Term Support (LTS) version, like that old family friend who never leaves.
Spelling: J-D-K-eleven dash O-P-E-N-J-D-K
jdk17-openjdk: The latest LTS version, fresh out of the Java oven. Modern, cool, but as stable as your grandpa.
Spelling: J-D-K-seventeen dash O-P-E-N-J-D-K
jdk-openjdk: The “surprise me” version. It usually installs the latest version, for those who like to live life on the edge.
Spelling: J-D-K dash O-P-E-N-J-D-K

Pick your flavor and install it:

sudo pacman -S jdk11-openjdk

Once it’s installed, check if Java is up and running (or if it’s taking a coffee break):

java -version

If it replies with something like OpenJDK 11, congratulations! You’ve just summoned Java! Now onto IntelliJ IDEA!

Step 2: Install IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition (Your Coding Castle)

Now that Java is all set up, it’s time to install IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition—your magical coding playground. This is where all the fun happens (along with the debugging and maybe some tears, but hey, we’re having fun, right?).

To install IntelliJ, type this magical incantation:

sudo pacman -S intellij-idea-community-edition

Once installed, fire up IntelliJ with:

intellij-idea-community

When it opens, you might hear a chorus of angels… or maybe that’s just your processor trying to keep up. Either way, let’s not get distracted; there’s still more setup to do.

Step 3: Install Maven (The Overachieving Colleague You Didn’t Ask For)

Maven is like that colleague who always has their desk organized, arrives early, and finishes all their work while you’re still figuring out how to turn your computer on. It handles your dependencies and builds your projects like a ninja.

To install Maven:

sudo pacman -S maven

Then, check to see if Maven is still around (and hasn’t snuck out for a long lunch):

mvn -version

If Maven replies with its version, great! If not, well, maybe it’s taking a break. Try again.

Step 4: Launch IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition (Cue the Epic Music)

Now it’s time to start the show. Launch IntelliJ, configure Java, and get ready to build something great (or at least something that compiles). Open IntelliJ with:

intellij-idea-community

Then, create your project and tell IntelliJ where you’ve hidden the JDK you installed earlier. Here’s how:

Create a New Project: IntelliJ will ask, “What are we building today?” Boldly select Java. Even if you have no idea yet, you’ll figure it out.
Configure the JDK: IntelliJ will ask, “Where’s the JDK hiding?” Point it to /usr/lib/jvm/java-11-openjdk (or whatever version you chose). IntelliJ will give you a virtual nod of approval.
Enable Maven: Don’t forget to integrate Maven when creating your project. Let it handle the build processes while you focus on breaking everything else.

Want to Upgrade to the Ultimate Edition?

Feeling ready for something more, with even more features and a dash of developer glam? Then the Ultimate Edition might be right for you. 😎

Follow this complete guide to remove IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition and upgrade to the Ultimate Edition. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a Ferrari… but without the speed limits!

Conclusion

Now that you’ve installed IntelliJ IDEA and configured your system for Java development, you’re ready to write some code (or maybe just stare at all the errors the compiler throws at you). But hey, it wouldn’t be fun without some bugs to squash, right? 😜

Good luck, and may the code be ever in your favor!