How to run Java program in Notepad

Terence 49 Published: 12/20/2024

How to run Java program in Notepad

Running a Java program in Notepad! That's quite an interesting topic.

Firstly, let me clarify that running a Java program in Notepad is not the most conventional way of executing Java code. Typically, you'd write your Java code in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA, and then compile and run it using tools built into those environments.

However, if you insist on running your Java code directly in Notepad, I'll walk you through the process!

Step 1: Write your Java program

Open Notepad (or any other text editor of your choice) and create a new file with a .java extension (e.g., HelloWorld.java). Write your Java code in this file. For simplicity, let's assume you're writing a "Hello, World!" program:

public class HelloWorld {

public static void main(String[] args) {

System.out.println("Hello, World!");

}

}

Step 2: Save the file

Save your Java code file (e.g., HelloWorld.java) in a directory of your choice. Make sure it's not inside a .jar or .class file, as those formats are for compiled Java programs.

Step 3: Compile the Java program using javac

Open the Command Prompt (or Terminal, depending on your operating system). Navigate to the directory where you saved your Java code file. Then, compile your Java code using the javac command:

javac HelloWorld.java

This will create a .class file with the same name as your Java source file but without the .java extension (e.g., HelloWorld.class).

Step 4: Run the compiled Java program

Now, run the compiled Java program using the java command:

java HelloWorld

This will execute your Java program and print "Hello, World!" to the console!

Important Note: Keep in mind that this method is not the most recommended way to run a Java program. IDEs like Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA provide better code completion, debugging capabilities, and project organization. Additionally, running javac and java commands individually might lead to more complexity when managing your projects.

So, there you have it! Running a Java program in Notepad is possible, but I hope this walkthrough has convinced you that using an IDE for Java development is the way to go.

How to run Java program in VS Code

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to run a Java program in Visual Studio Code (VS Code):

Step 1: Install the Java Extension

To run a Java program in VS Code, you need to install the Java extension. Here's how:

Open VS Code and navigate to the Extensions panel by clicking the Extensions icon in the left sidebar or pressing Ctrl + Shift + X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + X (macOS). Search for "Java" in the Extensions Marketplace. Click the "Install" button next to the Java extension, which should be labeled "Red Hat OpenJDK 11". Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 2: Create a New Java Project

To create a new Java project:

Open VS Code and navigate to the File menu. Select "New Folder" (or press Ctrl + N on Windows/Linux or Cmd + N on macOS). Name your folder (e.g., "MyJavaProject"). Inside the folder, create a new file called "HelloWorld.java". You can do this by right-clicking inside the folder and selecting "New File" (or press Ctrl + N on Windows/Linux or Cmd + N on macOS) and then naming the file.

Step 3: Write Your Java Program

Write your Java program in the "HelloWorld.java" file. For example:

public class HelloWorld {

public static void main(String[] args) {

System.out.println("Hello, World!");

}

}

Step 4: Configure the Java Runtime

To configure the Java runtime:

Open the Command Palette by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (macOS). Type "Java: Configure Java Runtime" and select the command. In the pop-up window, select "OpenJDK 11" as your Java runtime.

Step 5: Run Your Java Program

To run your Java program:

Open the Command Palette by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (macOS). Type "Java: Run 'HelloWorld.java'" and select the command. VS Code will compile and run your Java program, and you should see the output in the Terminal panel:
Hello, World!

Step 6: Debug Your Java Program

To debug your Java program:

Set a breakpoint by clicking on the line number next to the "main" method. Open the Command Palette by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (macOS). Type "Java: Run 'HelloWorld.java' with Debugging" and select the command. VS Code will compile, run, and debug your Java program, and you should see the output in the Terminal panel:
Hello, World!

You can also use the "Debug" view to inspect variables, set breakpoints, and step through your code.

That's it! With these steps, you should be able to run a Java program in VS Code.