How to fix '<>'operator is not allowed for source level 1.7

Question

I am using JDK 1.8.0. When I import the code into Eclipse I am getting the error:

'<>'operator is not allowed for source level 1.7

Example:

List<String[]> errors = new ArrayList<>();

I am using Eclipse Kepler.

Are you sure the error message is not "'<>' operator is not allowed for source level **below** 1.7"? — greg-449, Oct 24 '16 at 12:25
Will you help me how to declare dat in pom file?? and where in pom? — Avinash, Oct 24 '16 at 12:43
Does this answer your question? [openjdk 1.7 in eclipse: operator is not allowed for source level below 1.7](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/19382370/openjdk-1-7-in-eclipse-operator-is-not-allowed-for-source-level-below-1-7) — Abdollah, Mar 29 '20 at 08:31

score 14 · Answer 1 · answered Oct 24 '16 at 13:52

Sometimes I have seen Eclipse become confused about the Java target version, and throw incorrect messages (even if the project is set up correctly to support Java 7). The easiest way to fix it is to change the target version, then change it back to the expected target version.

This version can be checked by opening the Project properties dialog (right click on the project, and select Properties), and check the settings on two tabs:

Java Compiler tab: Check whether there are any specific settings such as always use a JDK version, etc. By default, all settings here are set to "Use compliance from execution environment 'JavaSE-1.x' on the 'Java build path'." (where x is a Java version). If a specific Java version (pre-Java 7) is selected here, then select the one you are targeting, and you should be done. If the previously mentioned checkbox is set, then follow to step 2.
Java build path tab: Go to libraries, and edit the JRE system library accordingly.

Again, if both settings seem correct, change the latter, rebuild your project (e.g. close your dialog), then change it back and rebuild.

Remarks: if you are using a Maven/Gradle project, it is possible that you should edit these settings in the Maven/Gradle configuration.

score 9 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 17 '18 at 12:08

It needs to update the value of "Compiler compliance level" to 1.7 or higher in eclipse. Steps are as below:

Open project in eclipse
Right click on Project and go to Properties
In Properties panel: click "Java Compiler" at the left and update the value of "Compiler compliance level" to 1.7 or higher from the drop down.
Click Apply and OK button

score 6 · Answer 3 · answered Oct 24 '16 at 13:22

Add this to your pom.xml, below <project>.

<build>
    <plugins>
        <plugin>
            <groupId>org.apache.maven.plugins</groupId>
            <artifactId>maven-compiler-plugin</artifactId>
            <version>3.5.1</version>
            <configuration>
                <source>1.8</source>
                <target>1.8</target>
            </configuration>
        </plugin>
    </plugins>
</build>

Most likely it's the default Eclipse Maven configuration that set your project's JDK version to 1.5 - God knows why. This will set it to 1.8 instead.

for me this is not enougth, also need rigth click on project and choose Maven->update project — Rogelio Triviño, Aug 27 '19 at 10:30

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:56

1

Upgrade to Eclipse Mars or latest version Neon :

https://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:56

Chirag Parmar

833
11
26

2

Please update your answer and explain *why* OP should do that. – Tom Oct 24 '16 at 13:01

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered May 08 '20 at 12:21

0

Inserting 8 in the section of the pom (maven) helped in my case.

answered May 08 '20 at 12:21

Morten Finnerud

76
4

"8" in the "" section – Morten Finnerud May 08 '20 at 12:23

score -2 · Answer 6 · edited Aug 17 '18 at 12:21

-2

Try the followings:

List<String[]> errors = new ArrayList();

OR,

List<String[]> errors = new ArrayList<String[]>();

Or, change your project Compiler compliance level to 1.7 or higher in Eclipse.

edited Aug 17 '18 at 12:21

Ripon Al Wasim

36,924
42
155
176

answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:25

ansanes

87
1
9

Multiple markers at this line - Incorrect number of arguments for type ArrayList; it cannot be parameterized with arguments <> - '<>' operator is not allowed for source level below 1.7 – Avinash Oct 24 '16 at 12:29
can you post your imports? – ansanes Oct 24 '16 at 12:31
I am using kepler.In dropdown i am able to see upto 1.7 only – Avinash Oct 24 '16 at 12:32
Set it to 1.7 and you'll be fine. – ansanes Oct 24 '16 at 12:36
ya i did that.But den too the same issue. – Avinash Oct 24 '16 at 12:40
Did you clean the project after changing the compliance level? – ansanes Oct 24 '16 at 12:44
Please visit the following link for setting "Compiler compliance level" in Eclipse: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/40217983/how-to-fix-operator-is-not-allowed-for-source-level-1-7/51895133#51895133 – Ripon Al Wasim Aug 17 '18 at 12:12
How to change the project Compiler compliance level to 1.7 or higher in Eclipse? – Ripon Al Wasim Nov 04 '19 at 04:55

How to fix '<>'operator is not allowed for source level 1.7

6 Answers6