Can I use JAVAC to compile a project with multiple files and directories?

Question

I'm working on a very large project that has associated class files in multiple directories, all stemming from the root dir \src.

I'm trying to compile a file in src\solution\ (called Console.java) that uses imports from other directories in the src, which are still uncompiled.

So if I want to compile Console.java outside of an IDE, how do I go about doing that? Oh yeah, I also have some external JARs which need to be included in the build.

Thanks! I appreciate it!

Answer 1

I'm a little unclear on your specific requirements, but what your asking is almost certainly possible. You might want to take a look at the javac options, and see what you can find that will help you.

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/tooldocs/windows/javac.html#options

For example, for the external .jars you need, those need to be included in your classpath using the -classpath option.

Answer 2

I would look at using Ant to create a build script. It's a little bit of work now but it'll pay off over the lifetime of your project.

Answer 3

You definitely want a build tool. You might want to look at these questions:

• http://stackoverflow.com/questions/80622/maven-or-ant
• http://stackoverflow.com/questions/521117/what-do-you-use-for-a-complex-build-process
• http://stackoverflow.com/questions/169293/what-are-some-good-java-make-utilities

Answer 4

javac comes with two options, that might help you her:

-c path/to/one/jar;path/to/another/jar

for libraries and

-s path/to/src/solution/java;path/to/src/test/java

for sourcefiles. It's worth a try.