How to Install VS Code for Java and Create Your First Java Program (Step-by-Step Guide)

Install VS Code for Java to get a fast, lightweight, and customizable setup without the heavy load of traditional IDEs. With the right extensions, Visual Studio Code becomes a powerful Java environment that’s perfect for beginners and pros alike.

1) Why Use VS Code for Java?

Lightweight & fast compared to heavy IDEs
Extensible with rich Java tooling
Beginner-friendly and cross-platform (Windows/macOS/Linux)

2) Install VS Code

Download & install VS Code:

https://code.visualstudio.com/

During setup on Windows, tick:

 Add "Open with Code" action to Windows Explorer file context menu
 Add "Open with Code" action to Windows Explorer directory context menu
 Add to PATH

3) Install Java (JDK)

Download JDK (choose one source):

https://adoptium.net/
https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-downloads.html

Verify installation (any OS):

java -version
javac -version

You should see a version (e.g., 21.0.x). If the command is “not recognized,” fix PATH or re-install the JDK.

4) Install VS Code Extensions for Java

Open VS Code → Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X) → search and install:

Extension Pack for Java

This bundle includes:

Language Support for Java™ by Red Hat
Debugger for Java
Java Test Runner
Maven for Java
Project Manager for Java (Dependency Viewer)

5) Quick Test: Single Java File

Create a folder (e.g., JavaPrograms) → Open Folder in VS Code → create a new file HelloWorld.java:

public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, Welcome to Monika's Study Space ");
    }
}

Run from Terminal inside VS Code (Ctrl+):

javac HelloWorld.java
java HelloWorld

Output:

Hello,Welcome to Monika's Study Space

6) Create a Java Project (VS Code command)

Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) → run:

Java: Create Java Project

When prompted:

Project Type: No Build Tools   (beginner-friendly)
Location: choose your folder
Name: MyJavaProject

VS Code creates a structure like:

MyJavaProject
├─ src
│  └─ App.java
└─ .vscode

App.java

public class App {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("My first Java program in VS Code!");
    }
}

Run with the Run button (▶ near main) or:

# if you prefer terminal inside project root
javac src/App.java
java -cp src App

Tip: If you see a Run/ Debug code lens above main, click it—no manual compile needed.

7) Optional: Maven Project (for dependencies)

Create with VS Code:

Command Palette → Java: Create Java Project → Maven

Or via terminal (if Maven is installed):

mvn -v
mvn archetype:generate -DgroupId=com.example -DartifactId=demo -DarchetypeArtifactId=maven-archetype-quickstart -DinteractiveMode=false

Run Maven build:

cd demo
mvn clean package

Open in VS Code (recommended to use the Explorer’s Maven panel):

View → Command Palette → Maven: Reload Projects

8) Useful VS Code Java Settings

Auto Save & Format on Save:

// File → Preferences → Settings (Open Settings JSON)
{
  "files.autoSave": "afterDelay",
  "editor.formatOnSave": true,
  "[java]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "redhat.java"
  },
  "java.configuration.checkProjectSettingsExclusions": false
}

Recommended extensions list for your workspace (.vscode/extensions.json):

{
  "recommendations": [
    "vscjava.vscode-java-pack",
    "vscjava.vscode-java-test",
    "vscjava.vscode-maven",
    "vscjava.vscode-java-dependency"
  ]
}

9) Debugging Java in VS Code

Start debug quickly:

Run and Debug (left sidebar) → Java

Optional launch.json (auto-generated usually):

{
  "version": "0.2.0",
  "configurations": [
    {
      "type": "java",
      "name": "Launch App",
      "request": "launch",
      "mainClass": "App",
      "projectName": "MyJavaProject"
    }
  ]
}

Set breakpoints by clicking the gutter next to line numbers, then hit F5.

10) Common Issues & Fixes

Problem: java or javac not recognized
Fix:

• Reinstall JDK
• Ensure Java bin folder is on PATH
• Restart VS Code after installation

Problem: Run/Debug buttons missing
Fix:

• Ensure "Extension Pack for Java" is installed
• Reload VS Code window (Ctrl+Shift+P → Developer: Reload Window)
• Open the folder as a project (File → Open Folder…), not just the file

Problem: Multiple JDKs causing confusion
Fix:

• In VS Code: Ctrl+Shift+P → "Java: Configure Java Runtime"
• Select the JDK you want the project to use

11) Quick Copy Blocks

HelloWorld.java

public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, VS Code!");
    }
}

App.java (project template)

public class App {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("My first Java program in VS Code!");
    }
}

Verify Java

java -version
javac -version

Run single file

javac HelloWorld.java
java HelloWorld

Open Command Palette

Ctrl+Shift+P

Install Java pack

Extensions → "Extension Pack for Java" → Install

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to install VS Code for Java, add the right extensions, and create/run programs using either a single file or a full project. This setup is quick, flexible, and perfect for learning or lightweight development. If you want, I can also add internal links to your other Java posts and craft an SEO excerpt tailored to your blog style—say the word!