Java: Which Program to Use?

Hey everyone!
I’ve started dabbling a little bit with Java, but I am wondering which program is good for compiling the Java code. I was not sure which Sun version of the JDK to use, but I am not sure if I am supposed to use the JDK in the first place.

I have been recommended by several classmates to use Eclipse (http://www.eclipse.org), but I am wondering which program any of you use or would use to compile Java code.

As of now, I am clueless hehe.

Thanks!
Kirupa :ub: