How to Read Password Input from the Console without Using System.console() in Java

How can I read a password from the console in Java without using the System.console() method?

Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Enter your password: ");
String password = scanner.nextLine(); // Password is visible in console
// For secure applications, consider using char[] and masking.

In Java, reading a password securely from the console can be challenging without using the System.console() method, especially in environments where the console is not available. However, you can utilize the Scanner class to read input, but this approach won't hide the password as the user types it. Here’s how you can achieve this along with some recommendations for secure handling.

import java.util.Scanner;

public class PasswordInput {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
        System.out.print("Enter your password: ");
        String password = scanner.nextLine();
        // Display the entered password (not recommended for security)
        System.out.println("Your password is: " + password);
        scanner.close();
    }
}

Causes

• Using System.console() for password input is not always feasible in non-console environments (like IDEs or some applications).
• Users expect input to be hidden for security reasons.

Solutions

• Use a Scanner to read from standard input, but be aware that it does not mask input.
• For better security, consider reading characters individually and masking them.

Mistake: Using System.console() and assuming it will work in all Java environments.

Solution: Always check if System.console() returns null before using it.

Mistake: Prompting the user with a visible password.

Solution: Consider implementing a method to read characters individually and display an asterisk or nothing for each character.