title=javac explained

javac is the primary Java compiler, included in the Java Development Kit (JDK) from Sun Microsystems.

The compiler accepts source code conforming to the Java language specification (JLS) and produces bytecode conforming to the Java Virtual Machine Specification (JVMS).

javac is itself written in Java. The compiler can also be invoked programmatically.^[1]

History

On 13 November 2006, Sun's Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and Java Development Kit (JDK) were made available ^[2] under the GPL license (see [https://openjdk.dev.java.net/hotspot/ Sun's OpenJDK Hotspot page]).

Since version 0.95, GNU Classpath, a free implementation of the standard class library for Java, supports compiling and running javac using Classpath runtime (GIJ) and compiler (GCJ) and also allows one to compile the GNU Classpath class library, tools and examples with javac itself ^[3] .

See also

• Java compiler for a general presentation of Java compilers, and a list of other existing alternative compilers.
• Java (programming language)
• Java Platform
• OpenJDK

External links

• [https://openjdk.dev.java.net/compiler/ Sun's OpenJDK javac page]
• The Java Virtual Machine Specification
• JSR 199 Java Compiler API Java Specification Request for invoking the Java compiler from a Java program

Notes and References

1. Web site: JavaWorld - Java tip 131 Java Tip 131: Make a statement with javac!. Shawn Silverman. JavaWorld.com. 2002-08-30. 2008-08-09.
2. http://www.sun.com/2006-1113/feature/story.jsp Sun opens Java (feature story)
3. http://www.gnu.org/software/classpath/announce/20070423.html GNU Classpath 0.95 Announcement