VSCode setup for Java development
Install JDK, set JAVA_HOME, install Java Extension Pack in VSCode, create or open a Maven/Gradle project, ensure proper project structure, and use built-in run/debug features; 1. Install JDK and verify with java -version and javac -version, 2. Install Maven or Gradle optionally, 3. Set JAVA_HOME environment variable, 4. Install Java Extension Pack which includes core Java support, debugger, test runner, and Maven integration, 5. Create a new Maven project via Ctrl Shift P or open an existing project with pom.xml or build.gradle, 6. Confirm standard Maven folder structure or customize source/output paths in settings.json, 7. Run Java files via right-click or Run button, 8. Debug using breakpoints and F5 which generates launch.json for custom configurations, 9. Use shortcuts like main Enter for templates, F2 for renaming, Ctrl Shift O for organizing imports, and Ctrl T for class navigation, and keep extensions updated for best experience, making VSCode a lightweight yet powerful Java development environment.
Setting up Visual Studio Code (VSCode) for Java development is straightforward once you know which extensions and tools to install. While VSCode isn't a full-fledged IDE like IntelliJ or Eclipse out of the box, with the right setup, it becomes a powerful, lightweight environment for Java.

Here’s how to get everything working smoothly.
✅ Install Required Tools
Before using VSCode for Java, make sure the following are installed on your system:

-
Java Development Kit (JDK)
Download and install a JDK (e.g., OpenJDK, Adoptium, or Oracle JDK).
Verify installation:java -version javac -version
Apache Maven or Gradle (optional but recommended)
For dependency management and building projects. Install via package manager or download from:Set JAVA_HOME (important!)
Make sure theJAVA_HOME
environment variable points to your JDK installation directory.
✅ Install Essential VSCode Extensions
Open VSCode and install these key extensions from the marketplace:
Java Platform
Core support for Java language features.Language Support for Java™ by Red Hat
Provides IntelliSense, code completion, formatting, and refactoring.Debugger for Java
Enables breakpoints, step-through debugging, and variable inspection.Test Runner for Java
Run and debug JUnit or TestNG tests directly from the editor.Maven for Java
Integrates Maven: manage dependencies, run goals, generate projects.
? Tip: Search “Java Extension Pack” in the Extensions view — it bundles all the above in one click.
✅ Create or Open a Java Project
You can either:
Start a new Maven project
PressCtrl Shift P
→ Type "Create Maven Project", select archetype, group ID, artifact ID, etc.Open an existing project
Just open the folder containing yourpom.xml
(Maven) orbuild.gradle
(Gradle).
VSCode will automatically detect the project structure and download dependencies.
✅ Configure Project Structure (if needed)
VSCode usually auto-detects source folders (src/main/java
, src/test/java
), but if not:
Make sure your folder structure follows standard Maven layout:
my-app/ ├── src/ │ ├── main/java/MyClass.java │ └── test/java/MyClassTest.java ├── pom.xml
If using a custom layout, you may need to adjust
settings.json
:"java.project.sourcePaths": ["src"], "java.project.outputPath": "bin"
✅ Run and Debug Java Code
Run a Java file: Right-click in the editor → Run Java
Or use the "Run" button above themain()
method.Debug: Set breakpoints, then click the debug icon (?) or press
F5
.
VSCode generates a.vscode/launch.json
file for custom configurations.
Example launch.json
:
{ "type": "java", "name": "Launch MyClass", "request": "launch", "mainClass": "com.example.MyClass" }
✅ Useful Tips
- Use Code Templates (Snippets): Type
main
Enter
to generate amain
method. -
Refactor easily: Rename variables/methods with
F2
. -
Fix imports automatically: Use
Ctrl Shift O
. -
Navigate quickly:
Ctrl T
to jump to any class. - Keep extensions updated — Java tooling improves frequently.
That’s it. With these steps, VSCode becomes a solid, fast environment for Java development — especially great for learning, small-to-medium projects, or when you want a clean editor without IDE bloat.
Basically: Install JDK → Install Java Extension Pack → Open project → Code.
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