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
1 of 13
273

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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121

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
    
🌐
Codecademy
codecademy.com › article › java-for-programmers-java-and-the-command-line
Java and the Command Line | Codecademy
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.
Discussions

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
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February 2, 2021
how do i run java from the command line?
type - "java HelloWorld", to execute your file. More on reddit.com
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October 1, 2018
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W3Schools
w3schools.com › java › java_getstarted.asp
Java Getting Started
This will compile your code. If there are no errors in the code, the command prompt will take you to the next line. Now, type "java Main" to run the file: ... Congratulations! You have written and executed your first Java program.
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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 - When you run a Java program, the following steps occur: The JVM Starts Up: The java command initializes the JVM, setting up the runtime environment. Class Loading: The JVM looks for the specified class file in the current directory (or in locations specified by the classpath). Bytecode Verification: Before execution, the JVM checks the bytecode for illegal operations to prevent security issues.
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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 - At the command prompt, type "cd" followed by the path your Java program is saved to, then press "Enter." Type "javac [filename] and press "Enter" to compile the program. Type "java [filename]" and press "Enter" to run the Java program after ...
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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 › 15inout › windows-cmd.html
Java and the Windows Command Prompt
From the Command Prompt, type the java command below. C:\introcs\hello\>java HelloWorld Hello, World If all goes well, you should see the output of the program - Hello, World. If your program gets stuck in an infinite loop, type Ctrl-c to break out. If you are entering input from the keyboard, you can signify to your program that there is no more data by typing Ctrl-z for EOF (end of file).
Find elsewhere
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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 - Then we need to execute/run the class file. We need to use the command javac file_name_with_the_extension. For example, as I want to compile my Main.java, I will use the command 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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MIT
web.mit.edu › 6.031 › www › fa17 › projects › fb1 › commandline.html
Running Java Programs with Command-Line Arguments
Then run the java command with these arguments: java -cp bin:lib/parserlib.jar:lib/physics.jar some.package.Main filename1 filename2 … · -cp specifies the classpath where Java should search for compiled code. bin is the folder where Eclipse compiles your code, and lib/parserlib.jar and ...
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Scaler
scaler.com › home › topics › how to run java program?
How to Run Java Program? - Scaler Topics
March 22, 2024 - To learn how to run Java program, first, ensure Java is installed, and the path is correctly set on your system. After installing the JDK, use the javac command to compile the Java file into platform-independent bytecode.
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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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JetBrains
jetbrains.com › help › idea › run-java-applications.html
Tutorial: Run a Java application | IntelliJ IDEA Documentation
February 11, 2026 - IntelliJ IDEA runs your code and shows its output in the Run tool window. The application has run successfully, that is why you will see the Process finished with exit code 0 message in the output. When you clicked Run, IntelliJ IDEA created a temporary run configuration named after the Main class.
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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 - The program is the simple "Hello World!" one below, and at least I don't think it is being run from the command line. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks! Aha. You're using a package. Type in "cd C:\java\hello\src\" into the command line, it should output "C:\java\hello\src\" on the command line.
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BeginnersBook
beginnersbook.com › 2013 › 05 › first-java-program
How to Compile and Run your First Java Program
You have to compile the program first then you can run it. After setting up the path, compile the program by typing “javac FirstJavaProgram” without quotes in command prompt and hit enter then type “java FirstJavaProgram” without quotes.
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Javatpoint
javatpoint.com › how-to-run-java-program-in-cmd-using-notepad
How to Run Java Program in CMD Using Notepad - javatpoint
How to Run Java Program in CMD Using Notepad with java tutorial, features, history, variables, object, class, programs, operators, for-loop, oops concept, array, string, map, math, methods, examples etc.
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Quora
quora.com › How-do-I-run-a-Java-program-in-terminal-Windows
How to run a Java program in terminal Windows - Quora
Now whenever we give the command of javac filename.java the compiler creates the byte code and the class file of the program is generated. Then to run the program you need to simply give command java classname.
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Princeton CS
introcs.cs.princeton.edu › java › windows › manual.php
Hello World in Java on Windows (manual instructions)
You will type commands in an application called the Command Prompt. In order to run Java from the Command Prompt, you must add Java to your PATH environment variable: