syntax highlight for GNU emacs

[bobotoes]

Hey,
I am a beginner programmer. Currently, I am only interested in the java language. I am using GNU emacs v. 21.1.1 in a Mac OS X terminal and would like to continue doing so.

I have gotten the code to auto-indent and match parentheses. I really would like to add some "life" to my editor with a color. Could someone please help me with some appropriate code to enter into my ~/.emacs file.

I appreciate it. Sorry if I'm not in the correct forum.

 

[bobotoes]

alright, I think I have it. Put an elisp command into home directory under .emacs. I have it in there but nothing happens. How do I activate it? Does my .emacs file have to be in the same location as my programs?