| JHDL Home Page | Configurable Computing Lab |

JHDL QUICK START GUIDE

JHDL, Just-Another (Java) Hardware Description Language, is a set of Java files which faciliate FPGA design, simulation and testing. They are packaged into a Java archive (jar) named JHDL.jar.

In order to begin using JHDL, you must have the Java 2 SDK (Software Development Kit.) Be sure to download the SDK and not just the JRE, as the SDK contains additional required executables, for example "javac."

Step 1: Downloading and installing Java 2 platform SDK

A Java 2 platform, such as the Standard Edition (J2SE) 1.3 (or later) is necessary in order to use JHDL classes.

Step 2: Testing your Java Installation

To make sure your Java setup is working correctly, try compiling and executing the following file: helloworld.java

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

Then compile and run it:

     >javac helloworld.java
     >java helloworld
     Hello World

Step 3: Setting up your CLASSPATH

The CLASSPATH environment variable tells the JVM's (Java Virtual Machine) class loader where it should look for class files. To use JHDL, you must have JHDL.jar in your CLASSPATH.

Read the CLASSPATH Setup for further details on setting up your CLASSPATH.

Step 4: Testing your classpath with JHDL.jar

If your CLASSPATH is set up correctly, the following should pop up a window containing the JHDL license:

     >java byucc.jhdl.apps.Viewers.AboutJHDL

Congratulations! If you've made it this far, you are ready to begin designing FPGA circuits in JHDL! Be sure to read the Getting Started Guide for examples on how to best start working with JHDL.

| JHDL Home Page | Configurable Computing Lab | JHDL Documentation Guide |

JHDL 0.3.45