How to Handle --add-module in Java 8 Using Gradle for JavaFX Projects

Learn how to properly manage module paths in Java 8 with Gradle for JavaFX applications without the need for Java 9.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/64813910/ asked by the user 'murkr' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/4611216/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/64820787/ provided by the user 'VGR' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1831987/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Handling JavaFX with Gradle in Java 8: A Complete Guide

When working with JavaFX in your Java 8 projects, you may find yourself encountering some challenges, particularly when it comes to module paths and using Gradle. A common question developers face is how to add JavaFX modules without upgrading to Java 9. This guide dives into that problem and offers a clear solution to streamline your JavaFX development process.

The Problem

If you've been using Java 8 and are trying to set up your project with Gradle, you might have included a block in your build.gradle file that looks something like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

While this may work in Java 9 or later, you'll receive an error when attempting to build with Java 8:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This error stems from the fact that Java 8 does not support modules—the --add-modules option is not recognized. So, how can you effectively manage JavaFX in your Java 8 applications without switching to a later version?

Solution Overview

The key to addressing this issue lies in understanding that JavaFX is included with Java SE 8, eliminating the need for module paths and the --add-modules argument altogether. Here’s how to simplify your build configuration in Gradle for JavaFX on Java 8.

Step 1: Remove the Unnecessary Code

Since Java 8 does not utilize the module system, you can remove the doFirst block from your build.gradle file. The adjusted configuration should look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Include JavaFX Libraries in Your Build Path

JavaFX libraries should be included in your project's classpath without needing to specify modules. Make sure your Gradle project properly links to the JavaFX libraries. You can do this by ensuring that your dependencies are articulated correctly:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Note: Adjust your version numbers according to the latest available releases or your project requirements.

Step 3: Build and Test Your Application

After making these changes, you can run your Gradle build. Ensure everything compiles smoothly, and then test your JavaFX application to confirm that it runs as expected. You should no longer face issues related to module paths or --add-modules options.

Conclusion

By recognizing that JavaFX is a part of the standard libraries available in Java 8, we’ve simplified your Gradle build configuration, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your application development. Avoiding unnecessary complications with module paths not only tidies up your project setup but also helps maintain compatibility with Java 8 users.

If you have any questions or need further clarification on setting up your JavaFX project in Java 8 with Gradle, feel free to leave a comment below!