How to Execute a Java Class File Located in a Different Directory?

How do you execute a Java class file that is stored in a different directory than the one you are currently in?

java -cp path/to/directory ClassName

To run a Java class file from a different directory, you need to use the Java command line with the appropriate classpath (using the -cp option) to specify the path to the directory containing the class file.

java -cp /path/to/directory ClassName

Causes

• The current working directory is not the same as the directory containing the Java class file.
• Lack of proper classpath specification can result in a 'Class Not Found' error.

Solutions

• Use the -cp option with the java command to specify the path to the directory containing the class file.
• Ensure that the directory structure is properly defined if the class is in a package.

Mistake: Forgetting to include the package name when the class is inside a package.

Solution: If your class belongs to a package (e.g., package com.example), use java -cp /path/to/directory com.example.ClassName.

Mistake: Using relative paths incorrectly.

Solution: Ensure you provide the correct absolute path or relative path based on your current directory.