Source: javaindos.

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

Run Command Prompt

C:\> cd \mywork

This makes C:\mywork the current directory.

C:\mywork> dir

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

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

This tells the system where to find JDK programs.

C:\mywork> javac filenamehere.java

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

C:\mywork> dir

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

C:\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
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274

Source: javaindos.

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

Run Command Prompt

C:\> cd \mywork

This makes C:\mywork the current directory.

C:\mywork> dir

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

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

This tells the system where to find JDK programs.

C:\mywork> javac filenamehere.java

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

C:\mywork> dir

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

C:\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!

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To complete the answer :

  1. The Java File

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

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

    java 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

    java -jar TheJavaFile.jar
    
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W3Schools
w3schools.com › java › java_getstarted.asp
Java Getting Started
Save the code in Notepad as "Main.java". Open Command Prompt (cmd.exe), navigate to the directory where you saved your file, and type "javac Main.java":
Discussions

Running Java in Command Prompt?
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Running java programs from the command line on Windows 10 - Stack Overflow
I'm trying to run a basic "Hello World" app from the command line on windows 10 using javac MyFirstProgram.java but i receive 'javac' is not recognised as an internal or external command, operable More on stackoverflow.com
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Running Java Programs in Windows 10 Command Prompt - Stack Overflow
I recently downloaded Java SDK 8.0 on my computer running Windows 10. However, when I looked on the Internet for how to use Java in the Windows 10 Command Prompt, I was only able to get the javac c... More on stackoverflow.com
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how do i get java to open .jar files in windows 10? i googled and nothing seems to be working for me.
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How to install and run JAVA in Windows 10 using CMD | Easy Tutorial - YouTube
In this video, we have shown you how to install Java JDK and JRE in your Windows 10 and the same procedure can also be followed for Windows 8 and 8.1. I hope...
Published   June 20, 2017
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Software Testing Material
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How To Run A Java Program Using Command Prompt
June 11, 2025 - Step iii: Open command prompt · Open Command Prompt (Open Run (Windows+R) and type cmd) Step iv: Run the created Java program using command prompt · Follow the below steps: C:\Users\Admin> cd\ C:\> cd SoftwareTestingMaterial ·
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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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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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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");
    }
}
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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...
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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 › 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 ...
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Java doesn't actually have to be installed. You can run any Java that's available to you.

This is sometimes useful for running Java from a network share.

Try running the java.exe program by fully qualifying it. If it runs that way, your problem is with your PATH.


To illustrate that you can run any Java by qualifing it, I have 9 JDK's and 1 JRE installed:

  • 32-bit JDK: Versions 1.4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
  • 64-bit JDK: Versions 5, 6, 7, and 8
  • 32-bit JRE: Version 8

Copied from a single command prompt window:

C:\>"C:\prog\java32\jdk1.4.2_19\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.4.2_19"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.4.2_19-b04)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.4.2_19-b04, mixed mode)

C:\>"C:\prog\java32\jdk1.5.0_22\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.5.0_22"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_22-b03)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_22-b03, mixed mode)

C:\>"C:\prog\java32\jdk1.6.0_45\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.6.0_45"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_45-b06)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 20.45-b01, mixed mode, sharing)

C:\>"C:\prog\java32\jdk1.7.0_79\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.7.0_79"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_79-b15)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 24.79-b02, mixed mode, sharing)

C:\>"C:\prog\java32\jdk1.8.0_51\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.8.0_51"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_51-b16)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 25.51-b03, mixed mode)

C:\>"C:\prog\java64\jdk1.5.0_22\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.5.0_22"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_22-b03)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 1.5.0_22-b03, mixed mode)

C:\>"C:\prog\java64\jdk1.6.0_45\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.6.0_45"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_45-b06)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.45-b01, mixed mode)

C:\>"C:\prog\java64\jdk1.7.0_79\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.7.0_79"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_79-b15)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 24.79-b02, mixed mode)

C:\>"C:\prog\java64\jdk1.8.0_51\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.8.0_51"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_51-b16)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.51-b03, mixed mode)

C:\>"C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.8.0_51\bin\java.exe" -version
java version "1.8.0_51"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_51-b16)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 25.51-b03, mixed mode, sharing)
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Open command prompt cmd and type where java , this will output where java executable is, then you can go to System Propreties>Advanced>Environement Variables> (Right click on computer and click on Propreties) and add the where java output to the PATH variable separated with a semi-colon ;

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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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Code With Arjun
codewitharjun.com › home › blogs › run java using command prompt / terminal
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.
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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...
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Quora
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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YouTube
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How to Run Java Programs With Command Prompt (cmd) and Notepad in Windows - YouTube
How do you compile and execute your Java programs from the command prompt (cmd) in Windows? Also, how you can you write your programs just using Notepad?We'l...
Published   November 15, 2021
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GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › java › how-to-run-java-program
How to Run Java Program? - GeeksforGeeks
July 23, 2025 - Step 2: Write your Java code in a text editor such as Notepad or any other code editor. Save the file with a .java extension and file type as 'All files' in the desired location. Step 3: Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac or Linux).
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SolVPS Hosting Blog
solvps.com › blog
Open Java Control Panel Settings from CMD (Windows) | SolVPS Hosting Blog
August 30, 2017 - If the path is not found, navigate manually to c:\Program Files (x86)\Java\ and find the .exe within the version folder you have installed. ... This entry was posted in VPS Hosting, Windows Server, Windows VPS. Bookmark the permalink. Trackbacks are closed, but you can post a comment. ... Questions? We're here to help.
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freeCodeCamp
freecodecamp.org › news › how-to-execute-and-run-java-code
How to Execute and Run Java Code from the Terminal
March 10, 2022 - Inside the Source folder, it creates our .class file. We need this file to run the Java program. Now if we want to run the .class file, then we need to change the command a little, as we need to provide the directory of the .class file in the terminal window.