Question

I’m using a mac, and I would like to know if there is a directory in which I can put all my java libraries that I use often so that I can compile/run the code that uses them without explicitly setting the classpath each time? I want to do something analogous to what a package manager would do in python, but it doesn’t seem like there are any package managers for java.

Answer 1

I’d strongly advise that you avoid doing this. While it might be convenient for you personally, it’s terrible from a repeatability standpoint. If you have trouble with your code and want to send your project to somebody else to look at, they shouldn’t have to reproduce your entire environment to be able to compile it.

For package management in Java, look at the Maven project. This will allow you to describe your project dependencies and have the tool automatically download the appropriate JARs and add them to your project’s classpath.