What is Java Compiler (Javac)?

Java Compiler, or Javac for short, is a program that is used to compile Java source code into bytecode that can be executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It is part of the Java Development Kit (JDK), which is a set of tools used for developing Java applications.

Working of the Compiler in Java

A compiler typically converts source code into target code. Its target code is often machine language, however it differs from machine to machine. The Java compiler online, however, converts the original code to byte code, which acts as a temporary code.

Because this type of code is machine-independent, it can be executed on any system that supports the Java Virtual Machine or Java Virtual Machine virtual machine (JVM). JVM runs similarly to an interpreter.

The Java compiler is a command-line tool that is included with the Java Development Kit (JDK). To use the compiler, you need to first install the JDK on your computer and set up your environment variables so that the compiler can be executed from the command line.

How to compile a program using ‘javac’

  1. Write your Java program in a text editor and save it with a .java file extension. For example, you could save your program as HelloWorld.java.
  2. Open a command prompt or terminal window.
  3. Navigate to the directory where your Java program is saved using the cd command. For example, if your program is saved in the C:\Java directory, you would enter the following command:

cd C:\Java

  1. Use the javac command to compile your program. The syntax for the javac command is as follows:

javac <filename>.java

  • For example, to compile the HelloWorld.java program, you would enter the following command:

javac HelloWorld.java

  • If there are no errors in your code, the javac command will generate a .class file in the same directory as your .java file. This file contains the bytecode that can be executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
  1. To run your program, use the java command followed by the name of the class that contains the main method. The syntax for the java command is as follows:

java <classname>

  • For example, to run the HelloWorld program, you would enter the following command:

java HelloWorld

  1. This will execute the bytecode in the HelloWorld.class file and output the message “Hello, world!” to the console.

In conclusion, the online Java Compiler (Javac) is a command-line tool provided by the Java Development Kit (JDK) that translates Java source code into bytecode also there is java editor online. The bytecode can be executed on any platform that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. The Javac tool is easy to use and can be executed from the java command line. It provides a quick and efficient way to compile Java code, and it helps developers to catch errors in their code before it is executed. Overall, the Javac compiler is a crucial tool for Java developers and is essential for the development of Java applications.