(How to Install Java on Linux) You can develop different kinds of applications from web solutions to enterprise software platforms through Java. Due to its absence in many Linux distributions, you need to perform manual installation of Java. This tutorial encompasses the whole process of Java installation for Linux platforms with procedure details for both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK.
Step 1: Update Your Package Repository
The first step for Java installation requires package repository updates to obtain the newest Java version.
Open a terminal and run:
The process of updating your system ensures you receive all the latest package versions which prevents conflicts during new software installations.
Step 2: Check if Java is Already Installed
To check if Java is installed on your system, run:
If Java is installed, you will see output similar to:
The system displays ‘command not found’ only when Java remains absent from your system. Installation must then begin.
Step 3: Install Java
You can choose from two major Java versions including the free OpenJDK platform alongside Oracle JDK as the proprietary product.
Installing OpenJDK (Recommended for Most Users)
OpenJDK is widely used, free, and well-supported by the Linux community. Install it using the appropriate command for your Linux distribution:
On Ubuntu/Debian-based Distributions
On Fedora
On CentOS/RHEL
Installing Oracle JDK
Oracle JDK provides commercial support and additional features. To install Oracle JDK, follow these steps:
Download the latest Oracle JDK .tar.gz package from Oracle’s official website.
Extract the downloaded file:
Move the extracted folder to /usr/lib/jvm (create the directory if it doesn’t exist):
Set up alternatives for Java:
Verify installation:
Step 4: Configure JAVA_HOME Environment Variable
Some applications require the JAVA_HOME environment variable to be set. To configure it:
- Find the Java installation path:
Open the environment configuration file:
Add the following line at the end of the file (adjust the path according to your Java installation):
Save the file and apply changes:
Verify the JAVA_HOME variable:
Step 5: Verify Java Installation
After installation, verify that Java is working correctly by checking the version again:
If the output displays the installed version details, Java has been successfully installed.
Step 6: Managing Multiple Java Versions (Optional)
If you have multiple versions of Java installed, you can switch between them using:
This command lists installed Java versions and allows you to select the default one.
Benefits of Using Java
Application developers choose Java because it provides many useful features that propel it toward becoming one of the leading programming languages. Here are some key advantages:
- Java applications benefit from “write once run anywhere” platform independence since they function across platforms with Java support without touch-up requirements.
- Java implements built-in security features which include runtime checks with bytecode verification and secure execution environments for promoting robustness.
- Java automatically handles memory management through garbage collection which produces heightened efficiency as it prevents memory leaks and leads to better system performance.
- The multithreading capabilities of Java enable simultaneous execution of multiple operations which leads to improved system output and performance speed.
- The API structure along with extensive libraries of Java allows developers to simplify their work by enhancing their application capabilities.
- Java benefits from its massive developer support along with frequent updates and abundant learning materials because of its broad developer community.
- The ability to scale makes Java the popular choice for enterprise use since it operates effectively with both massive systems along high-performance computing requirements.
- OpenJDK offers open-source Java implementation available free of cost to all users including developers.
Conclusion
The process of Java installation on Linux systems proves to be simple. You can use OpenJDK or Oracle JDK through the specified installation approaches which lead to a successful installation. The open-source characteristics of OpenJDK make it the preferred Java installation for general users but Oracle JDK delivers better value to businesses. Java-dependent applications will work properly after you set the JAVA_HOME environment variable. You can proceed with developing or running Java applications on your Linux system after finishing this installation.
