IDEA: javac: source release 1.7 requires target release 1.7

Question

When running a JUnit test, using IntelliJ IDEA, I get

How can I correct this?

• Using SDK 1.7
• The module language level is 1.7

Maven build works fine. (That's why I believe this in IDEA configuration issue)

Answer 1

I think you have the wrong compiler options carried from Maven here:

Additionally, verify project and module bytecode (mark) version settings marked on the screenshot.

Other places where the source language level is configured:

• Project Structure | Project

• Project Structure | Modules (verify every module) | Sources

Maven default language level is 1.5 (5.0), you will notice this version as the Module language level on the screenshot preceding.

This can be modified using maven-compiler-plugin configuration inside pom.xml:

<project> [...] <build> [...] <plugins> <plugin> <groupId>org.apache.maven.plugins</groupId> <artifactId>maven-compiler-plugin</artifactId> <configuration> <source>1.8</source> <target>1.8</target> </configuration> </plugin> </plugins> [...] </build> [...] </project>

 

<project> [...] <properties> <maven.compiler.source>1.8</maven.compiler.source> <maven.compiler.target>1.8</maven.compiler.target> </properties> [...] </project>

IntelliJ IDEA will recognize this setting after you Reimport the Maven project into the Maven Projects tool window: