Recaf: Recompile disabled, can't edit

Question

I've download recaf jar file and install JDK 8. When I execute it/start it, it all works fine with java -jar recaf-2.12.0-J8-jar-with-dependencies.jar. I open a class file also no problem. The issue is when I try to edit it is disabled saying:

// =============================================== //
// Recompile disabled. Please run Recaf with a JDK //
// =============================================== //

// Decompiled with: CFR 0.150
...

Any idea why and how to solve this issue? This is my first time using recaf as well so it might be a newbie question.

Answer 1

A few things:

1. It is best if you report Recaf issues on the Recaf github page, not a 3rd party platform

2. You can still edit but the recompilation feature is disabled due to the inability to find the local Java compiler. Most of Recaf is based on the assembler, which you can find documentation on here: "Class editing modes"

3. This problem may still persist after a basic installation of Java 8 because the required platform tools are not added to the classpath. There is documentation on what files are required, where they are, and where you need to place them here: "Java 8 setup"

4. Alternatively you can update to Java 11 or higher where none of this configuration is necessary.