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
    
🌐
W3Schools
w3schools.com › java › java_getstarted.asp
Java Getting Started
For now, focus on how to run the code above. 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":
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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...
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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.
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GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › java › how-to-run-java-program
How to Run Java Program? - GeeksforGeeks
July 23, 2025 - Step 5: Compile your Java code by typing "javac [filename].java" in the command prompt/terminal. This will create a .class file in the same directory. Step 6: Run your Java program by typing "java [filename]" in the command prompt/terminal.
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Princeton CS
introcs.cs.princeton.edu › java › windows › manual.php
Hello World in Java on Windows (manual instructions)
Prepend C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_67\bin; to the beginning of the PATH variable. Depending on which version of Java you downloaded, the jdk1.7.0_67 part might be different. Click OK three times. Launch the Command Prompt via All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt.
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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 - Type "javac [filename] and press "Enter" to compile the program. Type "java [filename]" and press "Enter" to run the Java program after it is compiled. ... Save the program. You can create a Java program using a simple text editing program like ...
Find elsewhere
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Make Tech Easier
maketecheasier.com › home › computing › windows › how to run a java program from the command prompt
How to Run a Java Program from the Command Prompt - Make Tech Easier
July 16, 2025 - Compile the Java program with the javac command as shown below. ... Be warned that you won’t see anything happen. However, if you use the dir command, you’ll notice a new file in your directory ending in the “.class” extension, indicating the program has been compiled. ... You’ll see the program run within the Command Prompt window.
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Medium
medium.com › @AlexanderObregon › executing-java-code-from-the-command-line-d6a3c09bb565
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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Coderanch
coderanch.com › t › 562022 › java › Running-Java-Programs-command-prompt
Running Java Programs from the command prompt (Beginning Java forum at Coderanch)
December 17, 2011 - To run it, from the same command prompt input java -classpath . Hello If you cannot open a command prompt on the file, then open the command prompt on the folder (hello) by right clicking the folder.
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Ask Ai World
askaiworld.com › home › blog › how to run a java program in command prompt (windows guide 2026)
How To Run Java Program In Command Prompt (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)
November 25, 2025 - Learn how to run a Java program in Command Prompt with this clean, fast 2026 guide. Includes installation, compile/run steps, errors, fixes, when to use CMD, and when to avoid it.
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Software Testing Material
softwaretestingmaterial.com › home › selenium › how to run a java program using command prompt
How To Run A Java Program Using Command Prompt
June 11, 2025 - Run the created Java program using command prompt ... public class HelloTesters{ public static void main(String[] args){ System.out.println("This is SoftwareTestngMaterial website!"); } } Save your file as HelloTesters.java in C:\SoftwareTe...
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Florida State University
cs.fsu.edu › ~myers › cop3252 › howto › cmdline.html
Compiling on the Command line with Java SDK
javac.exe java.exe These commands (discussed below) will work in any of the following command-line prompts, as long as the SDK is installed: ... To run a java program, use the java command.
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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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KaaShiv InfoTech
kaashivinfotech.com › home › how to run a java program in cmd: step-by-step guide for beginners
How to Run a Java Program in CMD – Easy Step-by-Step
August 9, 2025 - Learn how to run a Java program in CMD with simple steps. Compile, execute, and troubleshoot Java code directly from the command line.
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GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › java › java-program-open-command-prompt-insert-commands
Java Program to Open the Command Prompt and Insert Commands - GeeksforGeeks
April 22, 2025 - To execute the commands inside the command prompt we can use Runtime.exec() method. We can perform various commands such as dir, which is used to list all directories and the ping, which is used to test the ability of the source computer to ...
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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...