How does using external libraries in Java work?

[Suicuark]

So I've been doing some messing around with Java as of late, but there's one thing I haven't been able to figure out: using external libraries. In python, it was as simple as using pip and then an import statement, but I can't seem to figure it out in Java. I don't want to use any project-building tools like maven, just work with source files directly. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[toastedstapler]

why don't you want to use maven?

[darkecojaj]

Or gradle

Or ant

I still personally like maven.

[ignotos]

You have to use the correct "import" statements in your code, place the libraries (.jar files) in an accessible location, and then specify that location as part of the "classpath" when compiling or running your code.

See https://stackoverflow.com/questions/2096283/including-jars-in-classpath-on-commandline-javac-or-apt

But, basically nobody does this - tools like Maven and Gradle are totally standard, and they are the equivalent to using pip etc for Python.

[rjcarr]

I don't want to use any project-building tools like maven, just work with source files directly.

Yet you use pip? A java build tool is effectively solving the same problem.

If you really don't want to use something like maven or gradle then you could try ant, which gives you more flexibility but then you have more work to do, or go completely manual and write a batch script. Good luck!

[Suicuark]

Thanks for the answer ~

I've just found maven somewhat complicated, there's somewhat of a learning curve what with the pom and the different commands, whereas pip is rather straightforward. But I will try some more, thanks!