Can I compile all Java files recursively using javac?

Recursive Java File Compilation Using Javac

When working on Java projects with numerous Java files distributed across multiple packages, compiling each file individually can be tedious and time-consuming. To address this, you might be wondering if it's possible to instruct javac to compile all Java files under a given directory recursively.

Using a Build Tool (Recommended)

For large projects, using a build tool like Ant or Maven is highly recommended. These tools automate the compilation process, eliminate the need to specify individual files, and provide additional features like dependency management and code testing.

Alternative Methods

If using a build tool is not feasible, consider these alternatives:

1. Using a Classname List File

Javac allows you to specify a list of classnames to compile in a file and pass the file's name with the @ prefix. You can create a file containing all the Java files in your directory using:

# Linux / MacOS
$ find -name "*.java" > sources.txt
$ javac @sources.txt

# Windows
> dir /s /B *.java > sources.txt
> javac @sources.txt

2. Automating the Process with a Script

Create a script that iterates through all directories recursively, identifies Java files, and compiles them using javac. This script can be periodically run or triggered when files are modified.

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