Java ME - Get Started with Development

You at least need a text editor for the source code and Java Wireless Toolkit (WTK) for compiling and running the code on a PC. WTK includes a number of self-explanatory code examples.

For serious application development you should opt for NetBeans + Mobility Pack or Eclipse.

Despite being very advanced, the above tools are all free of charge.

Once built to a Java Descriptor (JAD) and a Java Archive (JAR), the application can be transferred to a mobile phone from a PC or downloaded from a Web or WAP site. For the latter, see to that the MIME types for JAD and JAR are defined on the Web server and that the JAD points to the JAR. Oftentimes only the JAR is needed.

See the NetBeans page for information about how to get started with that tool, as well as Resources for other tools and information.