Attempting to compile class file through command line with javac returns “File not found”

Question

After downloading and setting up the jdk/javac path, I want to be able to manually compile a class file through the command prompt. However, this is what my cmd window looks like after I check for the version to see if the path is set, then try to compile a small class file from Intellij.

C:\Users\goel>java -version
java version "11.0.1" 2018-10-16 LTS
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment 18.9 (build 11.0.1+13-LTS)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM 18.9 (build 11.0.1+13-LTS, mixed mode)

C:\Users\goel>javac Main.java
error: file not found: Main.java
Usage: javac <options> <source files>
use --help for a list of possible options

The file is on the computer, and after the first failed try I also copied it to the desktop. Any help on how to fix this would be great.

Answer 1

You need to run javac command from your project folder where Main.java file exists. From error you can see that there is no Main.java file in C:\\Users\\goel folder. Change the folder with command:

cd /d <path_to_folder_with_Main.java_file>