java.lang.IllegalAccessError: class lombok.javac.apt.LombokProcessor cannot access class com.sun.tools.javac.processing.JavacProcessingEnvironment

🚀 Fixing the java.lang.IllegalAccessError in Lombok with OpenJDK 16 🚀

Hey there, fellow coder! 😀 If you're here, chances are you've encountered the dreaded java.lang.IllegalAccessError when trying to use the awesome Lombok plugin in your Java project. Don't worry, we've got your back! In this blog post, we'll walk you through the potential causes of this error and provide some easy solutions to get you back on track. Let's dive in! 💪

📚 Understanding the Error

The error message you're seeing probably looks something like this:

java: java.lang.IllegalAccessError: class lombok.javac.apt.LombokProcessor cannot access class com.sun.tools.javac.processing.JavacProcessingEnvironment (in module jdk.compiler) because module jdk.compiler does not export com.sun.tools.javac.processing to unnamed module

This error occurs when the Lombok processor, responsible for generating boilerplate code like Getters and Setters, doesn't have access to the JavacProcessingEnvironment class from the jdk.compiler module. Yikes! But fear not, we'll help you tackle this. 😉

🧐 Why am I still getting this error with OpenJDK 16?

You mentioned that you're using OpenJDK 16, but this error is usually associated with OpenJDK 15. So, it's odd that you're experiencing it on version 16. However, don't worry, it's not a compatibility issue. 🤔

🛠️ The Solution

The solution lies in updating the Lombok dependency and adding some additional configuration to your project. Follow these steps:

1. Open your pom.xml file (if you're using Maven) or the equivalent build file for your project.

2. Locate the <dependency> section and ensure that you have the latest version of Lombok. Update the dependency to the following:

   <dependency> <groupId>org.projectlombok</groupId> <artifactId>lombok</artifactId> <!-- Replace 'x.x.x' with the latest version of Lombok --> <version>x.x.x</version> <scope>provided</scope> </dependency>

   Remember to replace x.x.x with the latest version of Lombok.

3. After updating the dependency, add the following configuration to your pom.xml file:

   <plugin> <groupId>org.apache.maven.plugins</groupId> <artifactId>maven-compiler-plugin</artifactId> <version>3.8.0</version> <configuration> <source>16</source> <target>16</target> <annotationProcessorPaths> <path> <groupId>org.projectlombok</groupId> <artifactId>lombok</artifactId> <version>x.x.x</version> </path> </annotationProcessorPaths> </configuration> </plugin>

   Again, ensure that you've replaced x.x.x with the latest version of Lombok.

4. Save the changes to your pom.xml file and rebuild your project. The java.lang.IllegalAccessError should now be gone!

🎉 One Step Closer to a Bug-Free Coding Experience!

Congratulations! 🎉 You've successfully tackled the java.lang.IllegalAccessError when using Lombok with OpenJDK 16. Now you can enjoy the benefits of automated boilerplate code generation in your Java classes without any hitches. Happy coding! 💻

📣 Share Your Experience and Spread the Knowledge!

Have you encountered any other tricky issues while coding with Java? Share your experiences and solutions in the comments below! Let's build a supportive community where we can help each other overcome coding challenges. 🌟

Happy coding, my fellow tech enthusiast! ✨ Remember, every error is a learning opportunity. Embrace the bugs and keep coding! 💪