Confused - Trying to Run .java file in Eclipse

[tweaked88]

New to this IDE. I created a simple class and method in Eclipse. When I click on the file, Eclipse launches, and then brings up my source code. When I go to click run, I have two "Ant Build" options, but no matter which one I choose, an error comes up saying "unable to find ant file to run."

What is the process for compiling and running console programs?

[KevinWorkman]

How are you running this? Do you have a Java project set up? You should be able to click the run dropdown, then click run as, then click application.

[Tolls]

Right click on the actual class you want to run and select Run As-> Java Application.
This tells Eclipse what your main class is.
It should then appear as an option in the run button drop down.

[tweaked88]

How are you running this? Do you have a Java project set up? You should be able to click the run dropdown, then click run as, then click application.

I just have a .java file with my source code. When I go to Run>Run As there are no options available.

[tweaked88]

Here is what I'm looking at...

[KevinWorkman]

I'm pretty sure you need to create a project before you can run a file.

[Tolls]

Yep.
Eclipse needs a project so it knows where to compile stuff to etc etc.

[jim829]

Yes. I have been using Eclipse for years. Just create a project. A simple skeletal Java file will be created for you. Just edit it as needed. Every time you save the file, the file will be compiled automatically. Then just left click the green arrow on the menu bar to run the program. Only in special situations do you need an ant file. I have hundreds of projects and only one ant file.

Recommend you check out the Eclipse tutorials under the getting started section.

Good luck!
Jim