System.console() returns null

Question

I was using readLine of BufferedReader to get input/new password from user, but wanted to mask the password so I am trying to use java.io.Console class. Problem is that System.console() returns null when an application is debugged in Eclipse. I am new to Java and Eclipse not sure is this the best way to achieve? I am right clicking on the source file and selecting "Debug As" > "Java Application". Is there any workaround?

Answer 1

This is a bug #122429 of eclipse

Answer 2

This code snippet should do the trick:

private String readLine(String format, Object... args) throws IOException {     if (System.console() != null) {         return System.console().readLine(format, args);     }     System.out.print(String.format(format, args));     BufferedReader reader = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(             System.in));     return reader.readLine(); }  private char[] readPassword(String format, Object... args)         throws IOException {     if (System.console() != null)         return System.console().readPassword(format, args);     return this.readLine(format, args).toCharArray(); } 

While testing in Eclipse, your password input will be shown in clear. At least, you will be able to test. Just don't type in your real password while testing. Keep that for production use ;).