javac not working in windows command prompt

Question

I'm trying to use javac with the windows command prompt, but it's not working.

After adding the directory "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_16\bin\" to the end of the PATH environment variable, the java command works fine, but using javac gives me the following error:

'javac' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Solution 1

If you added it in the control panel while your command prompt was open, that won't affect your current command prompt. You'll need to exit and re-open or simply do:

set "path=%path%;c:\program files\java\jdk1.6.0_16\bin"

By way of checking, execute:

echo %path%

from your command prompt and let us know what it is.

Otherwise, make sure there is a javac in that directory by trying:

"c:\program files\java\jdk1.6.0_16\bin\javac.exe"

from the command prompt. You can also tell which executable (if any) is being used with the command:

for %i in (javac.exe) do @echo %~$PATH:i

This is a neat trick similar to the which and/or whence commands in some UNIX-type operating systems.

Solution 2

Windows OS searches the current directory and the directories listed in the PATH environment variable for executable programs. JDK's programs (such as Java compiler javac.exe and Java runtime java.exe) reside in directory "\bin" (where denotes the JDK installed directory, e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_xx). You need to include the "\bin" directory in the PATH.

To edit the PATH environment variable in Windows XP/Vista/7/8:

1. Control Panel ⇒ System ⇒ Advanced system settings

2. Switch to "Advanced" tab ⇒ Environment Variables

3. In "System Variables", scroll down to select "PATH" ⇒ Edit

(( now read the following 3 times before proceeding, THERE IS NO UNDO ))

In "Variable value" field, INSERT "c:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_xx\bin" (Replace xx with the upgrade number and VERIFY that this is your JDK's binary directory!!!) IN FRONT of all the existing directories, followed by a semi-colon (;) which separates the JDK's binary directory from the rest of the existing directories. DO NOT DELETE any existing entries; otherwise, some existing applications may not run.

Variable name  : PATH
Variable value : c:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_xx\bin;[existing entries...]

Solution 3

After a long Google, I came to know that javac.exe will be inside JDK(C:\Program Files\Java\jdk(version number)\bin) not inside JRE (C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin) "JRE doesn't come with a compiler. It(JRE) is simply a java runtime environment. What you need is the Java development kit." in order to use compiler javac

javac will not work if you are pointing bin inside jre

In order to use javac in cmd , JDK must be installed in your system...

For javac path

path = C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin this is wrong

path = C:\Program Files\Java\jdk(version number)\bin this is correct

Make sure that "javac.exe" is inside your "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk(version number)\bin"

Don't get confused with JRE and JDK both are totally different

if you don't have JDK pls download from this link

https://jdk.java.net/

or

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html

reference thread for JDK VS JRE What is the difference between JDK and JRE?

Solution 4

I know this may not be your specific error, but I once had a leading space in my path and java would work but javac would not.

For what it's worth, I offer the sage advice: "Examine your Path closely".

Solution 5

Try the solutions here: http://techdem.centerkey.com/2009/05/javahome-command-script.html

These are much more robust to change -- like when you upgrade the JDK or JRE, since there is no hard coded path.

The quick solution (if you don't want to read the blog) is

C:\>for /d %i in ("\Program Files\Java\jdk*") do set JAVA_HOME=%i
C:\>set PATH=%PATH%;%JAVA_HOME%

You can then add these lines to a startup/login script.

View more solutions

Comments

[MultiplyByZer0]

Possible duplicate of javac is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file

[paxdiablo]

I don't think that's correct. I can set my path to be nothing but "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_16\bin\" (with trailing slash) and it still works fine.

[Dom M.]

ah yes, all i had to do was re-open the command prompt and it worked fine, thanks!

[Marc Bredt]

+1. The "for %i in (java.exe) do @echo %~$PATH:i" just saved my day. I'm just a occasional Windows user and I just did not know there's could be yet another hidden java.exe in c:\windows\system :)

[Prashant]

I guess unsetting the classpath is better here. I would not use the CLASSPATH variable, especially not on Windows where it is global and affects multiple JREs...

[user716468]

The above set path command does not work for me under windows 7. I had to use set path="%path%;c:\program files\java\jdk1.6.0_16\bin. That is without quotes! I am not familiar with windows command line but it seems that quotes are preserved. So having them in the %path% will make it entirely unusable.

[Morgan Kenyon]

For Step 4. I found that I had to select not jre<yournumber>, but jdk<yournumber>. Then everything else worked fine.

[itsfarseen]

@user716468, There is a GUI way to do this in windows instead of command line. If you are on windows 7, just type var in start menu search and click on Edit Environment Variables. If you are on Windows XP, right click My Computer, Click on properties, go to advanced tab and click on the Environment variables button on the bottom side. There you can find two list boxes. Find out the one with name PATH from the bottom list box and click on Edit. Now append the path to your JDK preceded by a semicolon. You're Done!

[x29a]

there is also a "where" command in recent windows command lines

[M_R_K]

Neat and Clear ! Best answer. Worked for me.

[sedeh]

In my case, for step 4, I opened jdk. In essense, I had this for PATH: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_67\bin. javac.exe was not in the jre but in the jdk.

[user31389]

For invoking javac like that I had to use "set PATH=%PATH%;%JAVA_HOME%\bin" (notice the added \bin).

[RAJESH KUMAR ARUMUGAM]

Works for Me :)

[YakovL]

I'd suggest to add more annotation to your answer directly instead of just providing a link: the link may get broken. Best regards