Compiler flag

[Sathya Shanmugam]

I like to know what is a compiler flag in java

[marc weber]

The javac flags are codes for specifying compilation options. For example, if you type...

javac -verbose MyFile.java

Then the -verbose flag tells the compiler to output messages while compiling (e.g., what classes it's loading).

A basic list of options is displayed by typing javac -help...

>javac -help
Usage: javac <options> <source files>
where possible options include:
  -g                         Generate all debugging info
  -g:none                    Generate no debugging info
  -g:{lines,vars,source}     Generate only some debugging info
  -nowarn                    Generate no warnings
  -verbose                   Output messages about what the compiler is doing
  -deprecation               Output source locations where deprecated APIs are used
  -classpath <path>          Specify where to find user class files
  -cp <path>                 Specify where to find user class files
  -sourcepath <path>         Specify where to find input source files
  -bootclasspath <path>      Override location of bootstrap class files
  -extdirs <dirs>            Override location of installed extensions
  -endorseddirs <dirs>       Override location of endorsed standards path
  -d <directory>             Specify where to place generated class files
  -encoding <encoding>       Specify character encoding used by source files
  -source <release>          Provide source compatibility with specified release
  -target <release>          Generate class files for specific VM version
  -version                   Version information
  -help                      Print a synopsis of standard options
  -X                         Print a synopsis of nonstandard options
  -J<flag>                   Pass <flag> directly to the runtime system

For more detail, see javac - Java programming language compiler.

(Note that there are also flags for Java runtime. For example, the -ea flag enables assertions. Type java -help for a basic list.)

[ravindra patil]

Hello Friends
I am also planning give SCJP 1.5 by next month,please suggest me ways of preparation.

[marc weber]

rose,

Welcome to JavaRanch!

You might want to check our SCJP FAQs. Also, to start a new topic, click on "Post New Topic" instead of "Post Reply."

[marc weber]

rose / ravindra,

I see you just changed your display name. The JavaRanch Naming Policy requires a first and last name (separated by a space), so could you please change it again to add that space? Thanks!