Compile and Run Java Programs

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This section describes how to compile and run Java programs.

When JDK is installed on your machine, it provides two commands for you to compile and run Java programs.

• "javac class_name.java" - Compiles a Java program stored a file named with the program class name.
• "java -cp . class_name" - Runs a compiled Java program. "-cp ." specifies the current directory as the class path.

Let's try these commands with a very simple Java program. Use NotePad to enter the following Java program into a file called Hello.java:

class Hello {
   public static void main(String[] a) {
      System.out.println("Hello world!"); 	
   }
}

Then compile this program in a command window with the "javac" command:

C:\>\progra~1\java\jdk1.6.0_02\bin\javac Hello.java

To execute the program, use the java command:

C:\>\progra~1\java\jdk1.6.0_02\bin\java Hello
Hello world!

Congratulations, you have successfully entered, compiled and executed your first Java program.

Sections in This Chapter

Java SE 1.6 Update 2 Installation

Compile and Run Java Programs

JDK Documentation Installation