Java is a popular programming language used for developing a wide range of applications, from mobile apps to enterprise software. To run Java programs, you need to have the Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your computer. In this article, we will show you how to run Java programs in Command Prompt, a command-line interface in Windows.

Running Java Programs in Command Prompt: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you new to Java programming and wondering how to run your Java programs in Command Prompt? Look no further! In this article, we will walk you through the steps to run your Java programs in Command Prompt, with clear explanations and examples.

Step 1: Install Java Development Kit (JDK)

Before you can run Java programs, you need to have the Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your computer. The JDK is a software package that contains the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), Java compiler, and other tools.

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To install the JDK, follow these steps:

  • Go to the official Oracle website and download the JDK installer for your operating system.
  • Run the installer and follow the installation instructions.
  • Once the installation is complete, make sure to note the installation directory, as you will need it later.

Step 2: Set up the Java Environment Variable (JAVA_HOME)

After installing the JDK, you need to set up the Java environment variable (JAVA_HOME). This variable tells your computer where to find the JDK installation directory.

To set up the JAVA_HOME variable, follow these steps:

  • Right-click on “Computer” or “This PC” and select “Properties”.
  • Click on “Advanced system settings” and then click on “Environment Variables”.
  • Under “System Variables”, scroll down and find the “JAVA_HOME” variable, then click “Edit”.
  • Enter the path to the JDK installation directory (e.g., “C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17”).

Step 3: Add the Java Bin Directory to Your System’s PATH

Next, you need to add the Java bin directory to your system’s PATH. The PATH variable tells your computer where to find executable files, including the Java compiler and runtime.

To add the Java bin directory to your system’s PATH, follow these steps:

  • Under “System Variables”, scroll down and find the “Path” variable, then click “Edit”.
  • Click “New” and enter the path to the Java bin directory (e.g., “C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17\bin”).

Step 4: Write and Save Your Java Program

Now it’s time to write and save your Java program. You can use any text editor, such as Notepad or Sublime Text, to write your Java code.

To write and save your Java program, follow these steps:

  • Open your text editor and write your Java code.
  • Save the file with a .java extension (e.g., HelloWorld.java).

Step 5: Compile Your Java Program

After writing and saving your Java program, you need to compile it using the javac command. The javac command translates your Java code into bytecode that can be executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

To compile your Java program, follow these steps:

  • Open Command Prompt and navigate to the directory containing your Java file.
  • Compile your Java program using the javac command: javac HelloWorld.java.

Step 6: Run Your Java Program

Finally, you can run your Java program using the java command. The java command executes the bytecode generated by the javac command.

To run your Java program, follow these steps:

  • Navigate to the directory containing your compiled Java class file (e.g., HelloWorld.class).
  • Run your Java program using the java command: java HelloWorld.

By following these steps, you should be able to run your Java program in Command Prompt. 

Final Thoughts

Running Java programs in Command Prompt is a straightforward process that requires some basic setup and understanding of Java compilation. By following these steps, you can execute Java code from the terminal. 

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