Set up your environment and get started
In this section, you start your journey in BBj. We cover installation, how to write your first program and how to work with the documentation. After this lesson, you should be able to write first simple graphical programs.
Set up Java, BBj and Eclipse
Install Java, BBj and Eclipse so you can write and run your first BBj program.
A first Hello World
Write your first BBj program with a message box and learn where to find the documentation for each verb.
Basics about syntax and variables
Learn the BBj syntax rules and the variable suffixes for strings, numbers, integers and objects.
A better Hello World
Build a Hello World program with a real window and a button, and react to the button push with a callback.
Loops and IF statements
Learn how to write IF statements and loops in BBj, and how to exit a loop or skip to the next pass.
Types of input fields
Get to know the BBj input controls and the masks that format what users enter.
Next sample: a multiplying calculator
Study a small calculator that multiplies two numbers and updates with every keystroke.
More hints
Pick up more hints about control IDs and keyboard navigation, using the calculator sample.
Exercise: Write a Tic-Tac-Toe game
Write a two-player Tic-Tac-Toe game in BBj that takes mouse input and checks for a winner.
Bonus exercise: Add a computer player
Turn your Tic-Tac-Toe game into a one-player game where the computer plays the other side.