What is the Difference Between path and classpath?

10/26/2025 • Felipe Moraes

The main difference between PATH and CLASSPATH lies in their purpose and usage. PATH is an environment variable used by the operating system to locate and execute binary files, such as .exe and Java binaries (java or javac command). On the other hand, CLASSPATH is an environment variable used by the Java compiler and Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to locate and load compiled Java bytecodes stored in .class files.

In summary:

  • PATH: Used by the operating system to locate and execute binary files.
  • CLASSPATH: Used by the Java compiler and JVM to locate and load compiled Java bytecodes.

To set PATH in Java, you need to include the JDK_HOME/bin directory in the PATH environment variable. To set CLASSPATH, you need to include all the directories containing the .class files that your application needs.

Differences between PATH and CLASSPATH on various parameters:

  1. Definition:
  • PATH: Used by the operating system to locate executable files.
  • CLASSPATH: Used by the Java compiler to find the path of classes.
  1. Setting:
  • PATH: To set PATH in Java, include the JDK_HOME/bin directory in the PATH environment variable.
  • CLASSPATH: To set CLASSPATH in Java, include all the directories containing the .class files that your application needs.
  1. Usage:
  • PATH: Refers to the operating system, which looks in this path for executables.
  • CLASSPATH: Refers to the developing environment, where Java uses it to find compiled classes.

Comparative Table: path vs classpath

Here is a table highlighting the differences between PATH and CLASSPATH:

Parameter PATH CLASSPATH
Definition An environment variable used by the operating system to locate executable files and Java binaries. An environment variable used by the Java compiler to find the path of classes.
Purpose Setting up an environment for the operating system. The operating system will look in this PATH for executables. Setting up the environment for Java. Java will use to find compiled classes.
Scope Refers to the operating system. Refers to the developing environment.
Usage PATH is used by the operating systems (Windows and Linux) to execute commands in the shell. CLASSPATH is used by Application CLASSLOADER to load class files.
Setting To set PATH in Java, you need to include the JDK_HOME/bin directory in the PATH environment variable. To set CLASSPATH in Java, you need to include all those directories where you have put either your .class files or jar files containing .class files.
Overriding The PATH can not be overridden by providing command and PATH is only used by the operating system. The CLASSPATH can be overridden by adding classpath in the manifest file and by using a command.

In summary, PATH is an environment variable used by the operating system to locate executable files and Java binaries, while CLASSPATH is an environment variable used by the Java compiler to find the path of classes. The operating system uses PATH to execute commands in the shell, while Java uses CLASSPATH to find and load compiled class files.

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