Resolving cannot find symbol Errors in Java: A Guide to Compiling Your Classes

Learn how to solve the `cannot find symbol` error in Java when both files are in the same directory. Step-by-step instructions included!
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Understanding the cannot find symbol Error in Java

If you're new to Java and have faced the frustrating cannot find symbol error, you're not alone. This error often occurs when trying to reference a class that the Java compiler cannot locate, even if the files appear to be in the correct directory.

A Glimpse at the Error

Why Does This Error Occur?

The cannot find symbol error typically occurs due to one of the following reasons:

Classpath Issues: The Java compiler cannot locate the class files because they are not in the specified classpath.

Compilation Order: Java requires that classes are compiled in a specific order if they depend on one another.

In This Case

Directory Structure: Using the default compilation might not package the files correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution

Now that we understand the problem, let's break down the solution into manageable steps.

Step 1: Compile the BankAccount Class

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command does the following:

Step 2: Compile the BankTest Class

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Here’s what happens with this command:

Step 3: Running the Program

Now that both classes are compiled successfully, you can run BankTest using the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Handling the cannot find symbol error in Java can be a challenging aspect for beginners, but by following these steps, you can easily ensure that your classes are compiled correctly and can reference each other without issue.

To recap, always remember:

Use the -d option for organized output.

Set the classpath correctly during compilation.

Compile dependencies in order.

With this knowledge, you can tackle similar issues as you continue your journey in learning Java programming!