Java “constant string too long” compile error. Only happens using Ant, not when using Eclipse

First of all you should try File | Invalidate Caches and if it doesn't help, delete IDEA system directory. Then re-import the Maven project and see if it helps.

In some weird cases compiled classes may report wrong info and confuse IDEA. Verify that the classes from this jar report correct names using javap.

The problem is in your task dist when you create your jar. If your compilation is right and there is no problem when you package your jar. Things that are wrong:

• <mkdir dir="${dist}/lib"/> -> this don't have mean, you don't use it never

• second you are not including your libraries in your jar, then when you try to execute your jar it doesn't work that why you are seeing the error message Could not find the main class: nat.rutherford.DesktopStarter. Program will now exit You could see that your libraries aren't within your jar using Winzip or similar. I suppose that you are seeing your problem when you try to execute the jar directly using windows or similar. A good way to see what is happening, seeing the problem printed in the console is executing your jar in the next way: java -jar MyProject-20120102.jar

• See: How to include your libraries in you jar?

• And if you want to know more about jar packaging using ant try this.

• Another thing that you need to modify the Class-path attribute in your manifest to include the libraries within your ${libs} folder.