Java main class autocomplete

Question

If I'm trying to run a java program and I don't know the exact name of the Main class, is there any way to use tab completion to figure it out?

java -cp stackoverflow.jar org.<tab>
stackoverflow serverfault stackexchange

java -cp stackoverflow.jjar org.stackoverflow.<tab>
Main IntegrationTest QuestionAnswerConsole

Something along those lines.

Answer 1

Basically you are asking how to configure shell autocompetion to support java. It is possible. Take a look on this discussion: How does bash tab completion work?

I have to say that this is a good idea not only for discovering the main class but also to complete other command line options and a class path. I'd be glad to use such script if you develop it. Good luck.

EDIT

At least on my Ubuntu file less /usr/share/bash-completion/completions/java exists and therefore some completion should work. You are always welcome to improve the script.

Answer 2

The only way to get the Tab Completion that you are talking about is to use a shell that is "Java aware" or a shell script that provides this feature for the java command. git has a similar feature, so I don't think it's completely impossible.

Edit:

According to this question on SU, it is possible to create an autocompletion script for the bash shell. Since the question on SU is slightly different than what you are asking, I don't see a lot of specific details that relate to this question. However, it looks like a good place to start.