couldn't find main class

[demonoid]

guys i'm using eclipse and i'm not that new to java but i've never been able compile any of my programs.It says "couldn't find main class".After that i downloaded a couple of .jar files and they show the same error too.And java applets aren't working either.But i can run them on eclipse.Pls help.

[Norm]

i've never been able compile any of my programs.It says "couldn't find main class"

Are you compiling or executing?
The error message looks like a problem when you try to execute a class.

What do you do when you try to "compile" your program? I use the javac command when I compile and I use the java command when I execute a java program.

However, I know nothing about your IDE, so perhaps it's not installed correctly.

[al_Marshy_1981]

hang on are you lettting eclipse compile or are you compiling from command prompt?

[pbrockway2]

hang on are you lettting eclipse compile or are you compiling from command prompt?

The OP has yet to confirm that he or she *is* compiling, so the question of how they are compiling doesn't really arise. The poster talks about compiling but then goes on to half quote a message that contridicts that.

[Norm]

Many OPs using an IDE don't know compile from execute. The buttons they use say build and run.

[al_Marshy_1981]

The OP has yet to confirm that he or she *is* compiling, so the question of how they are compiling doesn't really arise. The poster talks about compiling but then goes on to half quote a message that contridicts that.

The OP clearly states that they have not being able to compile, so I would guesss they are trying to compile.

from OP first post

guys i'm using eclipse and i'm not that new to java but i've never been able compile

[pbrockway2]

Yes, I read the original post. It might be just me, but I don't find it a clear statement. And I won't guess.

I think Norm's questions were good ones and deserving of an answer.