Table of Contents
✅ Install Required Tools
✅ Install Essential VSCode Extensions
✅ Create or Open a Java Project
✅ Configure Project Structure (if needed)
✅ Run and Debug Java Code
✅ Useful Tips
Home Development Tools VSCode VSCode setup for Java development

VSCode setup for Java development

Jul 27, 2025 am 02:28 AM
java programming

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.

VSCode setup for Java development

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.

VSCode setup for Java development

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:

VSCode setup for Java development
  • 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:

    VSCode setup for Java development
  • Set JAVA_HOME (important!)
    Make sure the JAVA_HOME environment variable points to your JDK installation directory.


✅ Install Essential VSCode Extensions

Open VSCode and install these key extensions from the marketplace:

  1. Java Platform
    Core support for Java language features.

  2. Language Support for Java™ by Red Hat
    Provides IntelliSense, code completion, formatting, and refactoring.

  3. Debugger for Java
    Enables breakpoints, step-through debugging, and variable inspection.

  4. Test Runner for Java
    Run and debug JUnit or TestNG tests directly from the editor.

  5. 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
    Press Ctrl Shift P → Type "Create Maven Project", select archetype, group ID, artifact ID, etc.

  • Open an existing project
    Just open the folder containing your pom.xml (Maven) or build.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 the main() 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 a main 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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