compile and run java
 

do i need to install the j2sdk or the j2re so i can develope on the java virtual machine?

download the appropriate version of j2sdk (either linux or windows or other platform) from http://java.sun.com and follow the instructions given to install it.

Yep, as their name implies:
j2re = java 2 runtime environment (allow to run java applications/applets)
j2sdk = java 2 software development kit (allow to develop and run java apps)

make sure you don't end up with my problem: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...hreadid=238483

with the java and javac binaries not correctly being changed after installing the sdk and jre