Java: Checking For Errors Without Compiling

Question

Some large Java projects can take a long time to compile. For example, 20 minutes or more. Obviously, on a project of that size you don't want a build failing 18 minutes into it for a missing semicolon.

Will utilities like findbugs or other tools catch compilation errors for you without having to invest the time in compiling?

Thanks in advance either way

Steve

Answer 1

I would use an IDE. This will show you errors in lines as you type them and even offer auto-fixes for them. They also support incremental compilation so only the files effected by a change need to be re-compiled.

AFAIK Most IDEs support ant and maven builds.