Source: javaindos.

Let's say your file is in C:\mywork\

Run Command Prompt

CopyC:\> cd \mywork

This makes C:\mywork the current directory.

CopyC:\mywork> dir

This displays the directory contents. You should see filenamehere.java among the files.

CopyC:\mywork> set path=%path%;C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.5.0_09\bin

This tells the system where to find JDK programs.

CopyC:\mywork> javac filenamehere.java

This runs javac.exe, the compiler. You should see nothing but the next system prompt...

CopyC:\mywork> dir

javac has created the filenamehere.class file. You should see filenamehere.java and filenamehere.class among the files.

CopyC:\mywork> java filenamehere

This runs the Java interpreter. You should then see your program output.

If the system cannot find javac, check the set path command. If javac runs but you get errors, check your Java text. If the program compiles but you get an exception, check the spelling and capitalization in the file name and the class name and the java HelloWorld command. Java is case-sensitive!

Answer from Nicholas Kadaeux on Stack Overflow
Top answer
1 of 13
274

Source: javaindos.

Let's say your file is in C:\mywork\

Run Command Prompt

CopyC:\> cd \mywork

This makes C:\mywork the current directory.

CopyC:\mywork> dir

This displays the directory contents. You should see filenamehere.java among the files.

CopyC:\mywork> set path=%path%;C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.5.0_09\bin

This tells the system where to find JDK programs.

CopyC:\mywork> javac filenamehere.java

This runs javac.exe, the compiler. You should see nothing but the next system prompt...

CopyC:\mywork> dir

javac has created the filenamehere.class file. You should see filenamehere.java and filenamehere.class among the files.

CopyC:\mywork> java filenamehere

This runs the Java interpreter. You should then see your program output.

If the system cannot find javac, check the set path command. If javac runs but you get errors, check your Java text. If the program compiles but you get an exception, check the spelling and capitalization in the file name and the class name and the java HelloWorld command. Java is case-sensitive!

2 of 13
121

To complete the answer :

  1. The Java File

    CopyTheJavaFile.java
    
  2. Compile the Java File to a *.class file

    Copyjavac TheJavaFile.java
    
    • This will create a TheJavaFile.class file
  3. Execution of the Java File

    Copyjava TheJavaFile
    
  4. Creation of an executable *.jar file

    • You've got two options here -

      1. With an external manifest file :

        • Create the manifest file say - MANIFEST.mf

        • The MANIFEST file is nothing but an explicit entry of the Main Class

        • jar -cvfm TheJavaFile.jar MANIFEST.mf TheJavaFile.class

      2. Executable by Entry Point:

        • jar -cvfe TheJavaFile.jar <MainClass> TheJavaFile.class
  5. To run the Jar File

    Copyjava -jar TheJavaFile.jar
    
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Princeton CS
introcs.cs.princeton.edu › java › 15inout › windows-cmd.html
Java and the Windows Command Prompt
Prepend C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_27\bin; to the beginning of the PATH variable. Click OK three times. You will type commands in an application called the Command Prompt. Launch the command prompt via All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt. (If you already had a command prompt window open, close it and launch a new one.)
Discussions

How to open the command prompt and insert commands using Java? - Stack Overflow
Is it possible to open the command prompt (and I guess any other terminal for other systems), and execute commands in the newly opened window? Currently what I have is this: Runtime rt = Runtime. More on stackoverflow.com
🌐 stackoverflow.com
Running Java in Command Prompt?
Please ensure that: Your code is properly formatted as code block - see the sidebar (About on mobile) for instructions You include any and all error messages in full You ask clear questions You demonstrate effort in solving your question/problem - plain posting your assignments is forbidden (and such posts will be removed) as is asking for or giving solutions. Trying to solve problems on your own is a very important skill. Also, see Learn to help yourself in the sidebar If any of the above points is not met, your post can and will be removed without further warning. Code is to be formatted as code block (old reddit: empty line before the code, each code line indented by 4 spaces, new reddit: https://imgur.com/a/fgoFFis ) or linked via an external code hoster, like pastebin.com, github gist, github, bitbucket, gitlab, etc. Please, do not use triple backticks (```) as they will only render properly on new reddit, not on old reddit. Code blocks look like this: public class HelloWorld { public static void main(String[] args) { System.out.println("Hello World!"); } } You do not need to repost unless your post has been removed by a moderator. Just use the edit function of reddit to make sure your post complies with the above. If your post has remained in violation of these rules for a prolonged period of time (at least an hour), a moderator may remove it at their discretion. In this case, they will comment with an explanation on why it has been removed, and you will be required to resubmit the entire post following the proper procedures. To potential helpers Please, do not help if any of the above points are not met, rather report the post. We are trying to improve the quality of posts here. In helping people who can't be bothered to comply with the above points, you are doing the community a disservice. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/javahelp
11
1
February 2, 2021
I can't figure out how to open java cmd

write the code using an editor
compile the code
run the code

https://introcs.cs.princeton.edu/java/11hello/

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🌐 r/learnprogramming
11
0
November 23, 2023
How can I get JAVA to run in VS code??
Did you follow the instructions step by step ?you need to download and install the Java SE Development Kit (JDK), configure your environment for Java development. and install J ava Extension Pack,you could refer to Java with VS Code More on reddit.com
🌐 r/vscode
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July 18, 2019
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Wikihow
wikihow.com › computers and electronics › software › programming › java › how to compile and run a java program using command prompt
How to Compile and Run a Java Program Using Command Prompt
September 28, 2025 - 1. Type ″cmd″ into Windows search. 2. Right-click Command prompt. 3. Click Run as administrator. 4. Type ″cd \path\to\java\program″. 5. Press Enter. 6. Type ″javac -filename.java″. 7. Press Enter. 8. Type ″java filename.java″. 9.
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W3Schools
w3schools.com › java › java_getstarted.asp
Java Getting Started
To check if you have Java installed on a Windows PC, search in the start bar for Java or type the following in Command Prompt (cmd.exe):
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Scaler
scaler.com › home › topics › how to run java program?
How to Run Java Program? - Scaler Topics
March 22, 2024 - Step 2: You can see that inside the Art folder, there is a Java file named test.java. Step 3: Now press Alt+D, and you will enter the above search bar. Step 4: Type CMD and press enter key.
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Make Tech Easier
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How to Run a Java Program from the Command Prompt - Make Tech Easier
July 16, 2025 - Before you can run a Java program on your computer, you’ll need to have Java installed, which you can verify as shown. Open Command Prompt in Administrator mode, and type: java -version.
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Quora
quora.com › How-can-I-type-run-Java-code-using-CMD-Window-R
How to type, & run Java code using CMD (Window+R) - Quora
Answer: You can type java program in note pad and compile in cmd. 1.you have to save the java program with .Java extension in some folder. 2.Open cmd change the directory to where the file has been stored. 3.Then,type javac filename.java,if the program has error that will be shown or else noth...
Find elsewhere
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Software Testing Material
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How To Run A Java Program Using Command Prompt
June 11, 2025 - Run a Java Program using Command Prompt - We use Java compiler javac to compile and the Java interpreter java to run the Java program
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quora.com › How-do-I-run-a-Java-program-in-CMD
How to run a Java program in CMD - Quora
Answer (1 of 2): Open the command prompt and type ‘javaThe java command usage should be displayed. Check Working of javac Open the command prompt and type ‘javac’ The javac command usage should be displayed. If while executing java or javac, we get the command 'javac' is not recognized ...
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Run Java Using Command Prompt / Terminal - Code With Arjun
March 26, 2025 - Now to compile and run the java program using Command prompt . Open Start Start Menu and Search for Command Prompt and Open it. ... Then Just type cd Desktop, to navigate into Desktop.
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Java Program to Open the Command Prompt and Insert Commands - GeeksforGeeks
April 22, 2025 - It is done by passing "cmd" command to exec() method. ... // Java program to illustrate // open cmd prompt class Geeks { public static void main(String[] args) { try { // Just one line and you are done !
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Medium
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Executing Java Code from the Command Line | Medium
March 9, 2025 - Learn how to compile and run Java programs from the command line using javac and java, manage classpaths, and understand how the JVM processes bytecode.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/javahelp › running java in command prompt?
r/javahelp on Reddit: Running Java in Command Prompt?
February 2, 2021 -

Second Edit: May have fixed the Environment Variables to work with JAVA_HOME. Minor change to what was printed but was able to run the file like so:

C:\Users\Test>cd Documents\MyFirstProgramFolder

C:\Users\Test\Documents\MyFirstProgramFolder>java MyFirstProgram
We did it! Again! Number 3!

Again, making sure I was in the right directory was the first issue, but now I may have the Environment Variables fixed. I hope at least. Thank you again everyone.

Edit: Have my issue mostly solved. I am able to compile and run the code. cd-ing to the correct directory seemed to be the issue in the command prompt and that is all I really need for now. Thank you to everyone who took the time try to help me!

Hello! I am new to learning Java but have been stuck on a single issue for the past day and a half. I have recently started reading Head First Java to try and teach myself Java. I took a single programming class that was taught in Java 3-4 years ago. All of the programming experience I have has always been in some sort of IDE. In Head First Java they want you to work through the command line after writing code. I have been entirely unsuccessful at setting up Java to work through the command prompt. I have now tried to download 2-3 different JDK's, followed 2-3 tutorials on how to just get "Hello World" to print, and followed a guide on how to set up the Java Environment. None have been successful and I am frequently met with the below errors/issues when I try to parse together my understanding trying to fix the issue. I would really like to learn how to actually do things without the need of an IDE. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated! So the question summed up, is more or less where am I going wrong for setting up the Java environment, or JVM?

In the Command Prompt:

C:\Users\Test>"C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_161\bin"\Javac MyFirstProgram.java

javac: file not found: MyFirstProgram.java

Usage: javac <options> <source files>

use -help for a list of possible options

In Windows Powershell:

PS C:\Users\Test\Documents\MyFirstProgramFolder> "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_161\bin"\javac MyFirstProgram.java

At line:1 char:41

+ "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_161\bin"\javac MyFirstProgram.java

+ ~~~~~~

Unexpected token '\javac' in expression or statement.

+ CategoryInfo : ParserError: (:) [], ParentContainsErrorRecordException

+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : UnexpectedToken

Below are some of the websites I have tried:

https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-Your-First-Computer-Program/ - This instructables link is what I just used to receive the above responses.

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/java/java_environment_setup.htm

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/setting-environment-java/

The Code:

class MyFirstProgram {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
            System.out.println("Hello, World");
    }
}
Top answer
1 of 6
2
move the quote to the end of the args[0] "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_161\bin\javac.exe" MyFirstProgram.java Java is a compiled language and not interpreted, so there is no actual IDE - but maybe a Java-pro knows one. There are some websites, where you can play around with classes...
2 of 6
2
First, I would add C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_161\bin to your system PATH environment variable - this will allow you to use the Java commands without including the entire path: Right click Computer Click the properties On the left pane select Advanced System Settings Select Environment Variables Under the System Variables, Select PATH and click edit,and then click new and add path as C:\ProgramFiles\Java\jdk1.8.0_161\bin (depending on your installation path)and finally click ok (credit to https://stackoverflow.com/questions/32241179/setting-up-enviromental-variables-in-windows-10-to-use-java-and-javac for putting in the steps so I didn't have to) Once done, you should be able to use javac MyFirstProgram.java instead of putting the entire path in for javac and mucking about with quotes :) Note: you will need to restart the command prompt for the path update to take effect :) Second, in your examples above your error is file not found for the command prompt, and your folder is different than the one showing for powershell ( C:\Users\Test for command prompt and C:\Users\Test\Documents\MyFirstProgramFolder for powershell) so I'm guessing the error was due to MyFirstProgram.java not being in the folder the command prompt was in. So if you are in C:\Users\Test\Documents\MyFirstProgramFolder (assuming this is the location of your java file) and did the Path fix above, you can just use javac MyFirstProgram.java or "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_161\bin\javac.exe" MyFirstProgram.java if you didn't modify the path. Edit to add: both of those commands should work in powershell as well depending on whether you set the PATH variable or not assuming you are in the folder containing MyFirstProgram.java.
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Princeton CS
introcs.cs.princeton.edu › java › windows › manual.php
Hello World in Java on Windows (manual instructions)
To confirm that the Java interpreter is installed, type the command in boldface below and check that the output matches: Since you will be using the Command Prompt frequently, we recommend creating a desktop shortcut or entry in the startup menu. Also, we recommend customizing the default settings: right-click the title bar of an open Command Prompt window, select Properties and, then
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Quora
quora.com › Can-we-open-a-command-prompt-using-Java-program
Can we open a command prompt using Java program? - Quora
You need a simple text editor to write the code(anything will work notepad, notepad++, sublime text, atom etc. ) . Just open a new file and save the file by the class name, in my case i am saving the file as Main.java. ... Now create the main class. Note that java follows object oriented programming so most of the things in java is in the form of objects and class. ... Then save it by ctrl+s. ... Open the command prompt by simply searching cmd ...
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iO Flood
ioflood.com › blog › java-run-programs-command-line
How-To Run Java Programs From Command Line
February 29, 2024 - In this example, we’ve used the java command followed by the name of the class simpleAddition. This class contains the main method, which is the entry point for any Java program. When you run this command, it will execute the simpleAddition program and print the sum of all passed integers to the console.
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CodingNomads
codingnomads.com › how-to-run-java-from-command-line
Executing Java applications from the CLI
Access all coding, AI, and data science courses, plus videos, IDEs, interactive lessons, and Discord support! Learn more · Create a free account to track your progress, so you won't miss a thing. Join for free ... A Java application can be run and compiled from the command line. Although running Java apps from the CLI during normal development is not entirely common, it is essential to know how it is done. Please follow the steps below to run your first Java app from the CLI. First, open your terminal and ensure you're in the right working directory.
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Codecademy
codecademy.com › article › java-for-programmers-java-and-the-command-line
Java and the Command Line | Codecademy
There are several types, each with a specific purpose and you can explore these use cases on Oracle’s website, the vast majority of Java development though, occurs in the SE or Standard Edition of the JDK. You can find the most recent version of the JDK here, and older versions of Java, such as Java 9 like we are using here. Before you can run the program from the command line, you must compile it. Open your terminal or command prompt (depending on OS), and navigate to the directory where the file you want to run is located.