Jurtle is an integrated programming environment designed for people who want to learn programming in Java but may never have programmed before. It provides a simple yet powerful programming editor coupled with built-in facilities for compiling and running your programs. Unlike most other development environments, no complex configuration is needed in order to use Jurtle. Install it and immediately start running the examples and learning to write them yourself. It can be used by an individual to learn Java on their own, or in a classroom situation to teach java to a group.
Learning the full Java language can be a bit overwhelming, however Jurtle provides a gentle introduction to Java. It comes with its own tutorial that teaches you everything you need to know to begin writing basic Java programs. Jurtle starts you out by having you write programs that move a "turtle" on screen, leaving a trail that can create interesting and even beautiful pictures.
