How to Compile a Java Program Using an SDK or Online Compiler

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Use the SDK or an online compiler to check your Java pograms

Co-authored by Jessica Andzouana and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: December 23, 2023

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Using Java Software Development Kit

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Using an Online Java Compiler

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This wikiHow teaches you how to turn your Java source code into an executable app using a local and online compiler. If you're using a computer, the most common way to compile Java code is using Java Software Development Kit (Java SDK) from the command line. If you're using a phone or tablet (or a computer without a compiler), you can use an online compiler like Codiva.

Things You Should Know

With the Java SDK installed, open your computer's command prompt to compile your Java program.
Use an online compiler for an easy and lightweight option to check if your code is working properly.
Online compilers often autosave, so you don't have to worry about losing progress if something were to go wrong.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Java Software Development Kit

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Open the command prompt. You can use the Java Software Development Kit (Java SDK) from the command prompt on Windows, macOS, or Linux. If you don't have the Java SDK installed, see How to Install the Java Software Development Kit. Here's how to get to the command prompt on each system:
- Windows: Right-click the Start menu and select Command Prompt. If you don't see this option, type cmd into the Windows Search bar and click Command Prompt in the search results.
- macOS: Click the magnifying glass at the top-right corner of the screen to open Spotlight, type terminal, and then click Terminal in the search results.
- Linux: Press Ctrl+Alt+T.
The source code is the file that ends with the .java file extension.

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Type javac sourcecode.java and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. Replace sourcecode.java with the name of your source file.^{[1]
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Research source} This compiles your source code into an executable file, which ends with the .class extension.
- To see the name of the new file in the current directory, run the dir (Windows) or ls -a (Mac/Linux) command.
- If you see an error when trying to
Replace programname with the name of your program. This runs the program at the command line.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using an Online Java Compiler

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Navigate to https://www.codiva.io in a web browser. Codiva is an online Java compiler that's great for people who can't install a compiler locally—it can even be used on a phone or tablet.
- There are a variety of online compilers out there if Codiva doesn't work for your needs. Some other popular options are Jdoodle, and OnlineGDB.
If you're new to Codiva, click Create Account at the top-right corner to sign up.
This creates a new project, which is like a container for your source files.^{[2]
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Research source}
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Create a Java source file and click Create. Java source files must end with the .java file extension. The new file will appear in project's tree, which appears in the right panel.
- For example, if you're creating a Java program called HelloWorld, name the source file HelloWorld.java.
The code will compile in the background as you type. Additionally, it will display any code errors as they occur.
Since the code compiles automatically, clicking Run will just launch your app in its current state.