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Java Java Objects (Retired) Creating the MVP Current Progress

Running 'javac Hangman.java' seems to compile all '.java' files

Why don't we have to also compile Game.java and Prompter.java in the command line javac step? Are they automatically compiled when compiling Hangman.java because Hangman instantiates objects of those classes?

I'd image the javac command would look more like: clear && javac Hangman.java Game.java Prompter.java && java Hangman

Thanks!

3 Answers

Dennis Mårtensson
Dennis Mårtensson
7,400 Points

I suppose it is as you say, when you tell the compiler to compile one file, it automatically compiles all other files relating to the file you are implicitly compiling. I'm no expert on the subject though, but that's a reasonable explanation!

Alex Popian
Alex Popian
977 Points

I thought it was because it was the main file of the package we are working with (Which holds all the classes). I'm no expert either but I feel like main is connected to all other classes therefore compiling it compiles the whole package? Craig Dennis is this right?

Craig Dennis
STAFF
Craig Dennis
Treehouse Teacher

Yeah it is because you are requiring the other java classes by importing them. When compilation happens it compiles the files it needs, which in this case is Game and Prompter.

That make sense?