RunJava

Java developers who prefer to create, edit, compile, build and run Java code in Notepad++ can turn to RunJava, a tiny plugin that brings a straightforward and accessible Java compiler to the table.

Although it doesn't have rich tools that can replace a fully-featured IDE, it provides you with a convenient Java compilation tool you can run straight from the main window of Notepad++, without having to resort to external applications just for this task.

The downloaded contains a .dll and bat file that have to be copied to the "plugins" folder of the text editor. Also, you have to make sure that .NET Framework is installed on the PC or the app won't work. Newer Windows versions come bundled with this feature, so you only have to check if it's activated.

Next, you can fire up Notepad and gain access to RunJava from the "Plugins" menu.

You first compile the Java-based application and run it, in this order. As far as the batch file is concerned, you can open it in a console interface to view and tinker with a wide range of Java options.

The usage syntax is java [-options] class [args...] to execute a class) as well as java [-options] -jar jarfile [args...] (to execute a jar file).

There are many settings available, such as -d32 and -d34 (use the 32- or 64-bit data model if available), -server (choose the "server" VM), -cp (class search path of directories and zip/jar files) and -version (prints the product version and exits).

All things considered, RunJava delivers nothing more than a simple and straightforward Java compiler for Notepad++ users, giving them the possibility to buil and run the code. However, it doesn't come packed with richer options and configuration settings.