Change Java to compiled language to facilitate multi-file

[JForden]

Pull Request: Enhance Java Support for Multi-File Submissions

Overview

This pull request aims to extend the functionality of our Java execution environment to support multi-file Java programs. Historically, our system has only supported single-file submissions, limiting the complexity and scope of projects that users can run. This update is a significant step towards accommodating more advanced Java applications and improving the versatility of our execution platform.

Goals

• Primary Objective: Introduce multi-file support for Java submissions without impacting the existing support for single-file Java programs.
• Maintain Compatibility: Ensure that single-file submissions continue to function as they have, even when the submitted .java file's name does not match the public class name.

Changes

1. Multi-File Support Implementation

• New Compile File: Added a compile file to the Java package. This script leverages the existing Piston infrastructure to compile and execute multi-file Java programs. It automatically detects and compiles all .java files present in the request

2. Single File Submissions

• No Changes for Single File: The process for single file submissions remains unchanged. Users can submit a .java file where the file name does not necessarily match the public class name, and it will continue to be supported seamlessly.

3. Multi-File Java Program Support

• Main File Requirement: For multi-file submissions to be executed correctly, the "main" file containing the public static void main(String[] args) method must be the first file passed into the API. This ensures the correct entry point is identified and executed.

[JForden]

Hi!

I talked about this pull request awhile ago with Hex who asked me to push it upstream. I'm only about a year late in actually getting to this, so it may not be something that is wanted/needed anymore.

[gouseferoz]

Hi!

I talked about this pull request awhile ago with Hex who asked me to push it upstream. I'm only about a year late in actually getting to this, so it may not be something that is wanted/needed anymore.

I think this feature is required. I am having a similar request in these lines, where i can be able to have a multi class single java file to execute. Currently it is not supported with piston.

[JForden]

Just a note!

I identified a minor bug with file passing, aka if you want to pass in a .txt file that a .java file should read from. I have resolved this issue and will commit changes soon.

[HexF]

Move this into a run script - compile should only ever compile the files.

[JForden]

@HexF

Is there a way to conditionally trigger a run/compile depending on how many files a user submits?

This workaround is necessary for single-file submissions, as currently, for single-file submissions:

1. In piston, if a user uploads a .java filename that does not correspond to the classname it still compiles and runs.
   • This function would no longer work if this logic was removed, javac requires filenames to match classnames.

Is there a reason why we could not remove the run script and switch it to a compiled language, using the above logic scheme to maintain functionality of single file submissions?