Error:java: invalid flag: -release

19
votes

I use Java :

Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 9-ea+143) Java HotSpot(TM) 64-
Bit Server VM (build 9-ea+143, mixed mode)

and IntelliJ IDEA:

IntelliJ IDEA 2016.2.5 Build #IU-162.2228.15, built on October 14,
2016

Get error when compiling: 

Error:java: invalid flag: -release

Executing javac -help :

--release <release>
        Compile for a specific VM version. Supported targets: 6, 7, 8, 9

So javac should use two hyphens with release, but Intellij Idea use with one.

Can I override javac options that IDEA use or fix it in some way?

UPD: Even Build, Execution, Deployment > Compiler > Java Compiler Additional Command Line Parameter doesn't help in this case

8
javaintellij-ideajava-9
You can change compiler settings in Settings -> Build, Execution, Deployment -> Compiler -> Java Compiler. – Vladimir Petrakovich
@fRoStBiT i know about this option - but now success with it- still Error:java: invalid flag: -release – Sergii Getman
Have you tried to use Eclipse Compiler? – Vladimir Petrakovich
Got weird NPE in case of Eclipse Compiler – Sergii Getman
Have you tried 2016.3 (currently in Public Preview)? – Nicolai Parlog

8 Answers

8
votes

Java 9 support is cutting edge and should be tried with the most current version. At the moment, this is the public preview of 2016.3, available here.

15
votes

I was using Java 8 and Intellij 2018.1.1

I solved the issue in this way:

  • open IntelliJ Idea settings
  • navigate to Build, Execution, Deployment > Compiler > Java Compiler
  • Uncheck the option: Use '--release' option for cross-compilation (Java 9 and later)

Intellij Settings

7
votes

Had exactly the same Error:java: invalid flag: -release in Intellij 2017.1. Updating to 2017.2.5 resolves the issue.

2
votes

As specified in this intellij thread you can workaround it by setting the project SDK language level to x - Experimental Features

1
votes

I had the same problem with IntelliJ IDEA Version 2017.1.3

Updated IntelliJ to Version: 2017.3.4 and with the latest version it works fine.

1
votes

Can be caused by mismatch of java version on build configuration and module settings.

1
votes

Remove --warning-mode=all (File -> Setting -> Build, Execution, Deployment -> Java Compiler

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0
votes

You can check the JDK version, if its less than JDK8, upgrade and try again. It solved my issue.