Why do I get "Error: Could not find or load main class" for any java code?

Question

Any java code I compile and try to execute from CMD line results in the error:
Error: Could not find or load main class

I have tried setting environment variables:
PATH=C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_202\bin
JAVA_HOME=C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_202

and with and with out:
CLASSPATH=C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_202\jre\lib or
CLASSPATH=C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_202\jre\lib\rt.jar or
CLASSPATH=(directory of code)

The following is an example of a simple test prog that will not run:

/**
 * Experiment with println() and print()
 */
public class HelloGoodbye 
{   
    public static void main(String[] args) 
     { 
        System.out.println("My First Hello!");
        System.out.println("Hello again!");
        System.out.print("Hello finally!");
        System.out.print("Goodbye!");
    }
}

This produces: Error: Could not find or load main class

javac HelloGoodbye.java which works to create HelloGoodbye.class then java HelloGoodbye.class which gives me the error — Travis Garvin, Jan 26 '19 at 10:58
run command java HelloGoodBye.java and not java HelloGoodBye.class — Divvya Mehta, Jan 26 '19 at 11:05
[Solved] *facepalm* I have been staying up too late. Thank you all for the help. You guys are great! I got so tunnel visioned on the problem I overlooked the basics — Travis Garvin, Jan 26 '19 at 11:06

score 0 · Accepted Answer · edited Jan 26 '19 at 11:06

0

First you have to compile your code:

javac HelloGoodbye

A class file will be created (HelloGoodbye.class). Then, you have to run the following command for running the program:

java HelloGoodbye

edited Jan 26 '19 at 11:06

Stephen C

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answered Jan 26 '19 at 10:58

Eduardo

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Why do I get "Error: Could not find or load main class" for any java code?

1 Answers1