How do I import these Java classes I downloaded? [duplicate]

Question

I'm a beginner in programming and I need to know how to import classes I got from the Internet to my text file. I downloaded JLayer for use in writing an MP3 player, but typing import javazoom.jl.player.Player; won't work, unlike the basic import statements like import javax.swing.JOptionPane;.

I read in some forums that I should move the JLayer library somewhere so that the import statement will work, but where exactly? My JLayer library is currently in my Downloads folder. What should I do?

Answer 1

Put the JAR containing those classes in your CLASSPATH. You should know how to use the -classpath argument for both javac.exe and java.exe. Read the tools documentation.

Answer 2

If you are using Eclipse or a similar IDE, select your project, then do:

File -> Properties -> Java Build Path -> Libraries (tab) -> Add External Jars

Use the finder to select your .jar file, and then Eclipse should do the rest for you.

Note: Eclipse will only reference the .jar file at its current location, it does not copy the .jar to your current project.

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If you aren't using an IDE, duffymo's answer will work for you.