Problems With Accessing Classes

Question

I am having trouble calling classes that I have written. I put
all of my .java files into my bin directory, and then I compile all of them. But when I compile one that has a reference to another class file that I have written, it acts like it doesn't recognize the class. Even though I am able to compile the .java file into a class file.
I am thinking that it may have something to do with the version of the JDK I am running, JDK1.2.1. And I have also tried to run it in JDK1.3.1, but I have the same problem. If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreciate them.

Answer 1

When you try to compile a file that has reference to another class that you have written, it looks in a place called your "classpath". You need to add the path to your classes that are needed for the current compile. I know this is a bit confusing. But here is an example:
I am trying to compile Test.java, but Test.java uses a class that I already have written and compiled called NeededByTest. If NeededByTest.class is found int c:\classes directory, I need to add that path to my classpath. I do that by typing the following at the command prompt
c:\ CLASSPATH = %CLASSPATH;C:\classes;
Note that this appends C:\classes to my classpath.
I hope that helped..
Later
Cardwell