Java Editor - Electron Setup Guide

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v18 or higher) - Download from nodejs.org
• Java Development Kit (JDK) - Download from oracle.com or use OpenJDK
• Git (optional) - For version control

Quick Start

1. Create Project Directory

mkdir java-editor
cd java-editor

2. Initialize the Project

Create all the files I provided above in your project directory:

• package.json
• main.js
• preload.js
• index.html
• styles.css
• renderer.js

3. Install Dependencies

npm install

4. Verify Java Installation

Make sure Java is properly installed and accessible:

java --version
javac --version

Both commands should return version information.

5. Run the Application

npm start

For development with DevTools:

npm run dev

Key Features Added

✅ Tab Support (4 Spaces)

• Press Tab to insert 4 spaces
• Press Shift+Tab to remove 4 spaces
• Works in both editors

✅ Auto-Matching Parentheses

• Parentheses: ( automatically adds )
• Brackets: [ automatically adds ]
• Braces: { automatically adds }
• Quotes: " and ' automatically add closing quotes
• Smart behavior:
  • Wraps selected text when typing opening character
  • Skips closing character if cursor is before matching one
  • Deletes matching pair when backspacing empty pair
  • Auto-indents when pressing Enter between braces

✅ Enhanced Features

• Theme toggle: Light/Dark mode with persistence
• Real Java compilation: Uses system javac command
• Real Java execution: Runs compiled programs
• Input support: Send input to running programs
• Timer functionality: Track coding time per pane
• Error handling: Clear feedback for compilation/runtime errors
• Modern UI: Clean, professional design with gradients

Testing the Editor

1. Start the app: npm start
2. Try the auto-completion:

   public class Test {
       public static void main(String[] args) {
           System.out.println("Hello!");
       }
   }

3. Test compilation: Click "Compile" button
4. Test execution: Click "Run" button
5. Test input: Try a program that reads input:

   import java.util.Scanner;
   public class Input {
       public static void main(String[] args) {
           Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in);
           System.out.print("Enter your name: ");
           String name = sc.nextLine();
           System.out.println("Hello, " + name + "!");
       }
   }

Next Steps (Phase 2)

• File save/open functionality
• Syntax highlighting with Monaco Editor
• Code folding
• Find/replace functionality
• Multiple file tabs

Troubleshooting

Java not found: Make sure Java is installed and in your system PATH Permission errors: On macOS, you might need to allow the app in Security & Privacy settings Compilation fails: Check that your Java syntax is correct and class name matches

Building for Distribution

# Build for current platform
npm run build

# Build for all platforms
npm run dist

The built app will be in the dist folder.