- Published on
Mastering the Essential Java Command Line Tools
- Authors
- Name
- Supakon Khongkrajang
- @SupakonDev
As a Java developer, mastering the command line tools is essential for efficient coding, debugging, and managing Java applications. In this guide, we will explore the basic use of the java
command and its associated tools that every Java developer should know.
1. Checking Your Java Version
Before you start any Java development work, it's crucial to confirm your Java installation's version:
java -version
This command displays information about the installed Java version. Ensuring the correct version is in place is the first step in avoiding compatibility issues.
2. Getting Help
Whenever you need a quick reference for the available options and usage of the java
command, use the -help
option:
java -help
This command provides a concise summary of the available options, which can be invaluable for navigating the java
command's extensive capabilities.
javac
3. Compiling Java Code with To compile your Java source code into bytecode that the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) can execute, you'll need to use the javac
command:
javac YourJavaFile.java
This command generates .class
files that are ready for execution.
4. Running Java Applications
Once your Java code is compiled, you can execute it using the java
command:
java YourMainClass
This command launches your Java application, and you should see the program's output in the console.
5. Passing Command-Line Arguments
Java applications often accept input from the command line. You can pass arguments to your Java program like this:
java YourMainClass arg1 arg2 arg3
These arguments can be accessed within your Java code through the args
array in the main
method.
-cp
6. Specifying the Classpath with The -cp
(or -classpath
) option allows you to specify the classpath, which tells the JVM where to find classes and resources:
java -cp path/to/your/library.jar YourMainClass
This ensures that your application can access the necessary classes and resources.
-jar
7. Running Executable JARs with Executable JAR files simplify the distribution of Java applications. Execute them using the -jar
option:
java -jar YourApp.jar
This command extracts the main class and other metadata from the JAR's manifest file.
-Dproperty=value
8. Defining System Properties with You can configure your Java application at runtime by specifying system properties:
java -Dmyapp.config=config.properties YourMainClass
This is useful for dynamically adjusting your application's behavior.
-Xmx
, -Xms
, and -Xss
9. Memory Management with Fine-tuning memory allocation is crucial for Java applications:
-Xmx
sets the maximum heap size, e.g.,-Xmx512m
.-Xms
sets the initial heap size, e.g.,-Xms256m
.-Xss
adjusts the thread stack size, e.g.,-Xss256k
.
These options are essential for optimizing memory usage, especially in memory-intensive applications.
-ea
10. Activating Assertions with To catch and handle bugs early in the development process, activate assertions in your code with -ea
:
java -ea YourMainClass
Assertions ensure that your code behaves as expected.
-verbose:g
11. Enabling Verbose Output with For in-depth debugging and performance analysis, enable verbose output for garbage collection with -verbose:g
:
java -verbose:g YourMainClass
This option provides detailed information about garbage collection activities.
-Xdebug
and -Xrunjdwp
12. Debugging with For advanced debugging scenarios, enable Java Debug Wire Protocol (JDWP) with these options:
java -Xdebug -Xrunjdwp:transport=dt_socket,server=y,suspend=n,address=5005 YourMainClass
This allows you to connect a debugger for comprehensive debugging sessions.
By mastering these basic uses of the java
command and its associated options, you'll be well-equipped to develop, test, and troubleshoot Java applications efficiently. As you progress in your Java development journey, you'll discover even more advanced capabilities of these essential tools. Happy coding!