How do I run a Java program from the command line on Windows?

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
   

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!