How do I import these Java classes I downloaded?

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?

BTW - Coding media based apps. using a 3rd party API is an advanced topic. Setting the class-path is 'Java 101'. I suggest you pursue easier tasks for the moment. — Andrew Thompson, Mar 17 '13 at 17:25

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 17 '13 at 17:16

3

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.

answered Mar 17 '13 at 17:16

duffymo

305,152
44
369
561

syb0rg · Answer 2 · 2013-03-17T18:38:17.897

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.

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

How do I import these Java classes I downloaded?

2 Answers2