# Getting Started

This topic will get you started by listing up DsExcel system requirements and steps to add DsExcel Java references in your application.

## Content

This guide introduces the essential Java environment setup and fundamental steps for using DsExcel Java, helping you quickly complete the initial configuration and start working with DsExcel Java.

## System Requirements

To get started with DsExcel Java, ensure that your development setup includes the following:

* Java Development Kit (JDK) 8.0 or higher.
* Any Java Integrated Development Environment (IDE), such as IntelliJ or Eclipse.
* A command-line build tool, such as Gradle or Maven.

>type=note
> **Note**:
>
> * To avoid security issues and improve JDK 8 compatibility, in DsExcel Java v6.0.0 release, we have removed support for JDK 7 and earlier versions. In order to upgrade your DsExcel Java application to JDK 8, you must remove dependency of the **gcexcel.extension** package and delete \*.class and \*.jar files related to the extension package.
> * The DsExcel Java version lower than v5.1.1 will not work in JDK 17 or higher.

## Setting up an application

### Step1: Create a Gradle or Maven project

1. Open IntelliJ IDEA and select **File > New > Project** from the top menu bar.
2. In the **New Project** dialog, set the project name, choose **Gradle** or **Maven** as the build system, and then click **Create**.![image](https://cdn.mescius.io/document-site-files/images/170bb0ea-fe04-4acd-847e-99010e83d677/image.b76d67.png?width=900)

### Step2: Configure Project Dependencies

#### Gradle Project

Open the `build.gradle` file and add the following dependencies to the `dependencies` block. Replace `x.x.x` with the version number of DsExcel Java you are using.

```java
implementation 'com.mescius.documents:dsexcel:x.x.x'
implementation 'com.mescius.documents:dsexcel:x.x.x:javadoc'
```

#### Maven Project

Open the `pom.xml` file and add the following dependencies under the `<dependencies>` section. Replace `x.x.x` with the version of DsExcel Java you are using.

```java
<dependency>
   <groupId>com.mescius.documents</groupId>
   <artifactId>dsexcel</artifactId>
   <version>x.x.x</version>
</dependency>
<dependency>
    <groupId>com.mescius.documents</groupId>
    <artifactId>dsexcel</artifactId>
    <version>x.x.x</version>
    <classifier>javadoc</classifier>
    <scope>provided</scope>
</dependency>
```

After completing the configuration, the DsExcel Java JAR file will be automatically included as a dependency. You can then directly use all classes provided by DsExcel Java in your project. For more information about available classes, please refer to the [DsExcel Dependencies](/document-solutions/java-excel-api/docs/online/getting-started/gcexceldependencies).

### Step3: Implement a Basic Application

1. Create a new `Main.java` file under your project's `src/main/java` directory, and import the following namespaces.

    ```java
    import com.grapecity.documents.excel.*;
    import com.grapecity.documents.excel.drawing.*;
    ```
2. Create a new workbook and access the default worksheet.

    ```java
    // Create a new workbook.
    Workbook workbook = new Workbook();
    
    // Get the default worksheet.
    IWorksheet worksheet = workbook.getWorksheets().get(0);
    
    // Set the default row height and column width.
    worksheet.setStandardHeight(20);
    worksheet.setStandardWidth(50);
    ```
3. Specify the file name and path to save the workbook.

    ```java
    workbook.save("DsExcelDemo.xlsx");
    ```

### Step4: Build and Run the Project

When you finish, build and run your project. You will notice that the DsExcelDemo.xlsx file is created at the specified location on your system.

## GcExcel Upgrade to DsExcel

With v7.0.0, gcexcel.jar (GcExcel) package is renamed to dsexcel.jar (DsExcel). The namespaces and classes remain the same, which provide the same functionality and are backwards compatible, ensuring minimal impact on your existing projects. You can upgrade your project's GcExcel package to the DsExcel package as follows:

1. Download the installation package from the official [MESCIUS website](https://developer.mescius.com/document-solutions/java-excel-api/download "https://developer.mescius.com/document-solutions/java-excel-api/download") and obtain the migration tool (located at: `dsexcel-java-x.x.x/Migration_Tool`).
2. Follow the instructions provided in the tool's interface. The migration tool will automatically replace GcExcel dependencies with DsExcel dependencies in your project's `build.gradle` (for Gradle) or `pom.xml` (for Maven).

If you have special dependencies or custom configurations, please make the necessary adjustments manually according to your project’s requirements.