Home Resource Centre How To Install Java For Windows, MacOS, And Linux? With Examples

Table of content:

What Is JDK?
How To Download Java Development Kit (JDK) For Windows, MacOS, and Linux?
Set Environment Variables In Java
How To Install Java (JDK) On Windows 64-Bit Machine?
How To Install Java (JDK) On Linux?
How To Install Java (JDK) On macOS?
How To Test Java Installation?
How To Write Your First Java Program On Linux OS?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

How To Install Java For Windows, MacOS, And Linux? With Examples

Installing Java on your OS, such as macOS or Windows, involves downloading the JDK from the Oracle website, running the installer, and configuring environment variables. This process enables seamless Java development.

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How To Install Java For Windows, MacOS, And Linux? With Examples

When it comes to programming languages, Java stands out as one of the most popular and versatile choices for developers worldwide. From powering web applications and mobile apps to large enterprise systems, Java has been around for decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a beginner venturing into programming or an experienced developer setting up a new environment, installing Java is the first crucial step.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the installation process on different operating systems—Windows, macOS, and Linux—so you can start coding in no time.

What Is JDK?

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is a comprehensive software development environment provided by Oracle (and other vendors) that allows developers to create Java applications. It includes the software tools necessary for compiling, debugging, and running Java programs, such as:

Java Runtime Environment (JRE): This is the environment needed to run Java applications. It contains the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), core Java classes, and support files.
The Java compiler (javac): It turns Java source code (.java files) into bytecode (.class files) that the JVM can run.
Development Tools: The JDK comes with tools for developing, debugging, and monitoring Java applications, including : Java Debugger (jdb), Java Profiler (jvisualvm), Java Archiver (jar), Java Documentation Generator (javadoc), Java Compiler (javac), Java Interpreter (java).

Java developers generally utilize the JDK to create new Java apps and applets. However, the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) is required to run Java programs on a system. It includes the JVM and the core Java libraries but does not include the development tools like the compiler or debugger that are part of the JDK.

JDK Variants

JDK (Java Development Kit) has various variants tailored to different development needs. Understanding these variants can help you choose the right JDK for your projects. Here are some common JDK variants:

OpenJDK: OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) that offers the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and tools for Java development. It is supported by a thriving community of developers and organizations.
Oracle JDK: Oracle JDK is the official implementation of the Java SE universal platform developed by Oracle Corporation. It includes extra proprietary tools and features that are not found in OpenJDK, like Java Flight Recorder and Java Mission Control. Although Oracle JDK was formerly the most widely used JDK distribution, licensing and distribution policies have changed recently.
AdoptOpenJDK: The AdoptOpenJDK community maintains AdoptOpenJDK as a distribution of OpenJDK. OpenJDK's prebuilt binaries for a range of systems and architectures simplify installation and usage. For Java developers, AdoptOpenJDK offers frequent upgrades and long-term support (LTS) releases, guaranteeing stability and security.
Amazon Corretto: Offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon Corretto is a production-ready, multiplatform, free distribution of OpenJDK. Security updates, performance improvements, and long-term support are all included. AWS provides services and support for Amazon Corretto, which is intended for usage in production settings.
Zulu JDK: Zulu JDK is a fully tested, commercially supported distribution of OpenJDK provided by Azul Systems. It offers high-quality, certified builds of OpenJDK for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Docker containers. Zulu JDK provides regular updates, security patches, and performance optimizations.
IBM SDK for Java: IBM SDK for Java is an extremely optimized Java runtime environment that was created by IBM. Because of its sophisticated features, which include scalability, improved diagnostics, and performance monitoring, it is appropriate for installations at the corporate level. Linux, IBM i, and IBM AIX are just a few of the systems that support the IBM SDK for Java.

JDK Versions

JDK (Java Development Kit) is regularly updated with new versions, each bringing enhancements, features, and bug fixes. Understanding the different JDK versions is crucial for staying up-to-date with Java development. Here's an overview of some key JDK versions:

JDK Version	Release Date	Key Features and Notes
JDK 8	March 2014	Introduced lambda expressions, the Stream API, and the java.time package for date and time manipulation. Marked a major milestone, enabling more concise and expressive code.
JDK 9	September 2017	Introduced the module system (Project Jigsaw) for modularization, improving maintainability and performance. Added JShell for interactive programming and enhanced Garbage Collector.
JDK 10	March 2018	Introduced local variable type inference (var keyword), improving readability by allowing implicit variable types. Enhanced Java Platform Module System (JPMS) and included experimental Application Class-Data Sharing (CDS).
JDK 11	September 2018	A Long-Term Support (LTS) release, offering stability and extended support. Introduced HTTP Client API, improved garbage collection, and removed deprecated features. Marked the start of a six-month release cadence for Java.
JDK 12 - JDK 17	March 2019 - September 2021	Continued rapid release cycle with each version adding new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes, adapting to the evolving needs of Java developers. JDK 17, an LTS release, brought stability and continued support.
JDK 18	March 2022	Introduced new capabilities like simple web server APIs and code snippets in Java documentation. Focused on language enhancements and platform performance.
JDK 19	September 2022	Brought features like virtual threads, structured concurrency, and improved foreign function and memory API, enhancing concurrent programming and cross-language interoperability.
JDK 20	March 2023	Added further improvements to virtual threads, the foreign function and memory API, and the pattern matching enhancements. Continued with preview features for structured concurrency to simplify handling of multiple tasks.
JDK 21	September 2023	An LTS release with new features like sequenced collections, full support for virtual threads, record patterns, and pattern matching for switch expressions. Included additional API improvements, enhancing Java’s concurrency and memory management.
JDK 22	Planned March 2024	Expected to focus on enhancing performance, language features, and developer productivity. Further details are anticipated closer to release.

Which Should I Choose? JDK Or JRE?

When deciding between the JDK (Java Development Kit) and the JRE (Java Runtime Environment), your choice depends on whether you plan to develop Java applications or simply run them.

Choose the JDK if you're a developer or need to write, compile, and debug Java programs. The JDK includes everything in the JRE, plus tools like the Java Compiler (javac), debugger, and other utilities essential for development.
Choose the JRE if you're an end-user who only needs to run Java applications and has no intention of developing them. The JRE includes only the runtime components (Java Virtual Machine, core libraries) necessary for executing Java programs but lacks the tools for coding and compiling.

In short:

Developing in Java? Go with the JDK.
Only running Java applications? The JRE will suffice.

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How To Download Java Development Kit (JDK) For Windows, MacOS, and Linux?

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is platform-independent, so you can download it from the official Oracle website, accept the license agreement, select your JDK version, and download the appropriate installer for your operating system: Windows, MacOS, or Linux. Then, install the JDK on your system as per the provided instructions.

To download the Java Development Kit (JDK) for Windows, MacOS, and Linux OS, follow these general steps:

Visit the Official Oracle Website: Go to Oracle's official Java download page to download the JDK.
Accept the License Agreement: Before downloading the JDK, you may need to accept the Oracle Technology Network License Agreement for Oracle Java SE development. Read through the agreement and click on the "Accept License Agreement" radio button.
Select the JDK Version: Choose the JDK version you want to download. Oracle usually provides links to download the JDK for different operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux).
Choose the Operating System: Click on the link corresponding to your operating system. If you're downloading for Windows, choose the Windows download link. For MacOS, select the MacOS download link, and for Linux, choose the appropriate Linux shell distribution.
Download the JDK Installer: Click on the download link provided for your operating system. This will typically start the download of an executable installer file for Windows (.exe), a disk image file for MacOS (.dmg), or a compressed archive for Linux (.tar.gz).
Install the JDK: Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded installer file on your computer and run it. Follow the installation instructions provided by the installer to install the JDK on your system. For Windows and MacOS, this usually involves running the installer and following the on-screen prompts. For Linux, you may need to extract the archive and set up the JDK manually.
Verify Installation: After installation, you can verify that the JDK is installed correctly by opening a terminal or command prompt and typing java -version. This command should display the installed JDK version.
Set Environment Variables (Optional): On some platforms (such as Windows), you may need to set the JAVA_HOME environment variable to point to the JDK installation directory. This step is typically required for development tools and applications to locate the JDK.

Set Environment Variables In Java

To configure your Java development environment correctly, it’s essential to set up environment variables. These variables help the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and other Java tools locate necessary files, directories, and configurations for smooth operation.

Why Is Setting Environment Variables Important?

Environment variables allow the system to identify critical Java components like the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Various Java tools and applications use these variables during compilation, execution, and development phases, making them integral to a well-functioning Java setup.

Step 1: Add Java To System Variables

Adding Java to the Path variable allows you to run Java commands from any location in your terminal or command prompt.

For Windows:

Right-click on This PC or My Computer and select Properties.
Click on Advanced system settings.
In the System Properties window, click Environment Variables.
Under System variables, find the Path variable and click Edit.
Add the path to your Java bin directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_301\bin) to the list. Ensure each path is separated by a semicolon (;).
Click OK to save the changes.

For MacOS And Linux:

Open a terminal window.
Edit the appropriate profile file (~/.bash_profile, ~/.bashrc, or ~/.profile) using a text editor, such as nano or vi.
Add the following line at the end of the file:

export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/java/bin

Replace /path/to/java/bin with the actual path to your Java installation’s bin directory.

Save the changes and exit the editor.
To apply the changes, run the following command:

source ~/.bash_profile

Step 2: Add JAVA_HOME Variable

The JAVA_HOME variable points to the directory where the JDK is installed, and is often required by tools like Maven, Gradle, and various IDEs.

For Windows:

In the Environment Variables window, click New under System variables.
Set the Variable name to JAVA_HOME.
Set the Variable value to the path of your Java installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_301).
Click OK to save the variable.

For MacOS And Linux:

Edit the same profile file (~/.bash_profile, ~/.bashrc, or ~/.profile) used in Step 1.
Add the following line at the end of the file:

export JAVA_HOME=/path/to/java

Replace /path/to/java with the actual path to your Java installation directory.

Save the changes and exit the text editor.
Run source ~/.bash_profile to apply the changes.

How To Install Java (JDK) On Windows 64-Bit Machine?

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is essential for developing Java applications and is available on different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Here’s a comprehensive guide for installing the JDK on Windows. After installation, you’ll configure your environment variables and verify the JDK version to ensure a proper setup.

System Requirements For Installing The JDK On 64-Bit Windows Platform

Before installing, confirm your system meets the following requirements:

Operating System: Windows 10 or later (64-bit recommended).
RAM: Minimum of 512 MB (1 GB or higher recommended).
Disk Space: At least 300 MB of free space for the installation.
User Privileges: Administrator privileges are required for the installation and environment setup.

Step 1: Download And Install Java Development Kit (JDK)

Visit the Oracle website: Go to the official Oracle website to download the Java Development Kit (JDK). Make sure to download the appropriate version for your Windows system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Accept the license agreement: Before downloading, you'll need to accept the license agreement provided by Oracle.
Download the JDK installer: Click on the appropriate download link to get the JDK installer file (.exe).
Run the installer: Locate the downloaded JDK installer file and double-click to run it.
Start the installation: Follow the instructions provided by the installer to proceed with the installation. Choose the installation directory and other preferences as per your requirements.
Complete the installation: Once the installation is complete, you'll receive a confirmation message. Click on "Finish" to close the installer.

Step 2: Configure Environment Variables

Open System Properties: Right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and select "Properties". Then click on "Advanced system settings".
Open Environment Variables: In the System Properties window, click on the "Environment Variables" button.
Edit Path variable: Under the "System variables" section, find the "Path" variable and click "Edit".
Add JDK bin directory: Add the path to the "bin" directory of your JDK installation to the Path variable. This allows your system to recognize Java commands.
Verify the configuration: Open Command Prompt and type java -version to check if Java is properly configured.

Step 3: Check The Java Version

Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
Check Java version: In the Command Prompt, type java -version and press Enter. It will display the installed Java version.

Installing The JDK From The JDK .exe Installer

For beginners, the most popular way to install Java on Windows PCs is via the JDK.exe installer. It offers a step-by-step installation procedure guidance through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI).

For home users or small-scale installations, this installer is perfect.
Make sure you are able to execute the installation with administrator rights.
During installation, you will need administrative capabilities to make changes that affect the entire system.
The installer might not be able to correctly install the JDK or change system settings without these rights.

Installing The JDK From The MSI Enterprise Installer

The MSI Enterprise Installer is designed for large-scale deployments in enterprise environments.
It offers more advanced customization options compared to the .exe installer, making it suitable for organizations with specific deployment requirements.
Administrators can use software deployment tools like Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) or Group Policy to deploy the JDK across multiple machines efficiently.

Installing The JDK From The Command Line

Automated and bulk installs can benefit from the more flexible and scriptable method offered by installing the JDK via the command line.
Command-line options allow users to tailor the installation process to their own requirements. For example, users may define the installation path or select which components to install.
Experienced users who need to automate the installation process or who prefer command-line interfaces will choose this technique.

Installing The JDK Silently

For unattended installations, when human participation is neither required nor practical, silent installation is very helpful. By using this technique, administrators may install the JDK without showing end users any dialogue boxes or prompts.
Administrators can maintain consistency across numerous installs and expedite the installation process by utilizing command-line arguments to restrict user input.
In business settings or when installing software on several computers at once, silent installation is frequently utilized.

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How To Install Java (JDK) On Linux?

Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel. It is extensively used in servers, PCs, embedded systems, and mobile devices and is renowned for its reliability, security, and adaptability. You may fully utilize Java on your machine and start your programming career with Linux by following the detailed instructions for installing JDK:

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Ensure your Linux system meets the following requirements:

Operating System: Any modern Linux distribution (Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, etc.).
Disk Space: At least 300 MB of free space.
User Privileges: You need superuser (root) privileges to install software.

Step 2: Download And Install Oracle Java Development Kit (JDK)

Download JDK: Visit the Oracle website to download the JDK package for Linux. Ensure you choose the appropriate version for your system architecture (e.g., x64, ARM).
Extract Package: Once downloaded, navigate to the directory where the JDK package is located. Use the tar command to extract the contents of the package. For example:

tar -xzf jdk-14.0.2_linux-x64_bin.tar.gz

Move JDK Directory: Move the extracted JDK directory to a location of your choice. For example:

sudo mv jdk-14.0.2 /usr/local/

Set Permissions: Ensure the JDK directory and its contents have appropriate permissions. Use the chmod command if necessary. For example:

sudo chmod -R 755 /usr/local/jdk-14.0.2

Update Alternatives: Update the system alternatives to ensure the newly installed JDK is used by default. Use the update-alternatives command. For example:

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /usr/local/jdk-14.0.2/bin/java 1
sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/javac javac /usr/local/jdk-14.0.2/bin/javac 1

Step 3: Check The Java Version

Open Terminal: Launch the terminal on your Linux system.
Check Java Version: Use the following command to check the installed Java version:

Java --version

This command will display the installed Java version along with other relevant information.

Step 4: Configure JAVA_HOME Environment Variable

Open Bash Profile: Use a text editor (such as nano or vim) to edit your user's bash profile file. For example:

nano ~/.bashrc

Set JAVA_HOME: Add the following line to the bash profile, specifying the path to the JDK installation directory:

export JAVA_HOME=/usr/local/jdk-14.0.2

Save and Exit: Save the changes to the bash profile file and exit the text editor.
Reload Bash Profile: To apply the changes, either close and reopen the terminal or run the following command:

source ~/.bashrc

By following these steps, you can successfully install Java Development Kit (JDK) on your Linux system, ensuring you have the necessary tools for Java development.

How To Install Java (JDK) On MacOS?

MacOS is the operating system developed by Apple Inc. for its Macintosh line of computers. It offers a user-friendly interface, robust security features, and seamless integration with other Apple devices and services. Installing the Java Development Kit (JDK) on macOS is a straightforward process. Below is a detailed procedure to help you download and install the JDK on your Mac.

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Before installation, ensure that your macOS meets the following requirements:

Operating System: macOS Sierra (10.12) or later.
Disk Space: At least 300 MB of free space.
User Privileges: You need administrative rights to install software.

Step 2: Download And Install Oracle Java Development Kit (JDK)

Download JDK: Visit the Oracle website to download the JDK package for macOS. Ensure you choose the appropriate version for your system.
Run Installer: Locate the downloaded JDK .dmg file and double-click to mount it. Then, double-click the package file to start the installation process.
Follow Installation Wizard: Follow the instructions provided by the installation wizard to complete the installation. You may need to enter your administrator password to authorize the installation.

Step 3: Configure Environment Variables

Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application on your macOS. You can find it in the "Utilities" folder within the "Applications" folder, or simply use Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space and typing "Terminal".
Edit Bash Profile: Use a text editor like nano or vim to edit your bash profile file. Type the following command in Terminal:

nano ~/.bash_profile

Set JAVA_HOME: Add the following line to the bash profile, specifying the path to the JDK installation directory:

export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home)

Save and Exit: Press Ctrl + X to exit nano, then press Y to confirm saving changes, and hit Enter to confirm the file name.
Reload Bash Profile: To apply the changes, either close and reopen the terminal or run the following command:

source ~/.bash_profile

Step 4: Check The Java Version

Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application if it's not already open.
Check Java Version: Type the following command in Terminal to check the installed Java version:

java -version

This command will display the installed Java version along with other relevant information.

How To Test Java Installation?

To test your Java installation, you can write a simple Java program, compile it, and run it. Here’s a detailed process on how to do this on your system:

Step 1: Write Test Java Script

Open a Text Editor:
- You can use any text editor of your choice (e.g., Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on macOS, or nano/vi on Linux).
- For this example, we’ll use a basic text editor.
Write a Simple Java Program: Type the following Java code into the text editor. This program simply prints "Hello, World!" to the console.

public class HelloWorld {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World!");
}
}

Save the File: Save the file with the name HelloWorld.java. Make sure to save it with the .java extension and not as a .txt file. Note: The filename should match the public class name (HelloWorld).

Step 2: Compile Test Java Script

Open Terminal or Command Prompt:
- On Windows: Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
- On macOS: Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space), type Terminal, and press Enter.
- On Linux: Open a terminal window.
Navigate to the Directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where you saved HelloWorld.java. For example:

cd path/to/directory

Compile the Java Program: Run the following command to compile the Java program:

javac HelloWorld.java

If there are no errors, this command will create a file named HelloWorld.class in the same directory, which contains the bytecode for your program.

Run the Compiled Java Program: Execute the program with the following command:

java HelloWorld

You should see the output:

Hello, World!

If you see "Hello, World!" printed in the console, congratulations! Your Java installation is working correctly. If you encounter any errors during compilation or execution, make sure that the Java paths are set correctly and that you are in the right directory where the .java file is located.

How To Write Your First Java Program On Linux OS?

Writing your first Java program on a Linux operating system involves a few simple steps as follows:

Open Terminal: Launch the terminal application on your Linux system. You can typically find it in the "Utilities" or "Accessories" menu, or you can use a keyboard shortcut like Ctrl + Alt + T, depending on your Linux distribution.
Choose a Text Editor: You can use any text editor of your choice to write your Java program. Common text editors on Linux include Vim, Nano, Emacs, or graphical editors like Gedit or Visual Studio Code.
Create a New Java File: In the terminal, navigate to the directory where you want to create your Java file using the cd command. For example:

cd ~/Documents

Open Text Editor: Type the command for your chosen text editor followed by the name of the Java file you want to create. For example:

nano HelloWorld.java

Write Java Code: In the text editor, write your Java program. For example, let's create a simple "Hello-World Java program":

public class HelloWorld {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World!");
}
}

Save and Exit: After writing the Java code, save the file and exit the text editor. In Nano, you can press Ctrl + O to save and Ctrl + X to exit.
Compile the Java Program: In the terminal, navigate to the directory where your Java file is located. Then, compile the Java program using the javac command followed by the name of your Java file. For example:

javac HelloWorld.java

Run the Java Program: After compiling successfully, you can run the Java program using the java command followed by the name of the class that contains the main method (which is typically the same as the filename without the .java extension). For example:

java HelloWorld

Verify Output: If everything is set up correctly, you should see the output of your Java program in the terminal, which in this case will be:

Hello, World!

That's it! You've successfully written and executed your first Java program on a Linux OS. You can now continue exploring Java programming and building more complex applications.

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Conclusion

Installing Java, specifically the Java Development Kit (JDK), is a crucial step for developers looking to build and run Java applications across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth installation process, set up necessary environment variables, and verify that your installation is successful.

Understanding the importance of the JDK and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) will help you choose the right components for your development needs. Moreover, testing your installation with a simple Java program is an excellent way to confirm that everything is set up correctly. With Java installed, you're now equipped to dive into the world of Java programming. Whether you're developing desktop applications, web services, or Android apps, mastering Java will open up numerous opportunities in the tech industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Java free to install?

Indeed, it is free to download and use Java. Oracle Corporation created the open-source Java programming language and platform. The official Oracle website offers free downloads for the Java Development Kit (JDK), which contains tools for creating Java programs, and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which enables users to run Java applications.

In addition, there are other free and open-source versions of the Java platform, including OpenJDK, that may be installed. Numerous operating systems and organizations support and extensively utilize these open-source implementations.

Although Java is freely available, some tools, libraries, or corporate features offered by outside companies could have extra fees. Nonetheless, the runtime environment and fundamental Java language are free to use for development and deployment purposes.

Q. What version of Java should I install?

There are a few variables that determine the version of Java you should install:

Application Requirements: To guarantee compatibility, you should install the Java version specified if you are developing or using an application that has that need.
Most Recent Stable Version: Installing the most recent stable version of Java is usually advised. By doing this, you can be sure you're getting the newest enhancements, security patches, and features.
Long-Term Support (LTS) Versions: Oracle offers Java versions with Long-Term Support (LTS) that are supported for an extended amount of time, usually a few years. Consider installing an LTS version if stability and long-term support are important to you.
OpenJDK vs. Oracle JDK: OpenJDK and Oracle JDK are your options. An open-source implementation of the Java Platform is called OpenJDK. OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform and is often used by default in many environments. The Oracle JDK, which Oracle Corporation supplies, may give more functionality and support choices, but it may have licensing issues in certain situations.
Platform Compatibility: Verify that the Java version you select works with the architecture and operating system you use (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, 32-bit or 64-bit).

Q. Why do we use Java?

There are several reasons why Java is a popular programming language and platform:

Portability: Java programs may be executed on any device, independent of the underlying hardware or operating system, as long as the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is installed. Java's "write once, run anywhere" feature makes it incredibly portable.
Versatility: Java is utilized in a broad range of applications, including business software development, scientific computing, gaming, web development (using frameworks like Spring and Hibernate), and mobile app development (using Android).
Object-Oriented: Java is an object-oriented programming language that uses ideas like classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism to encourage code organization, reusability, and maintainability.
Rich Standard Library: The Java programming language (Java API) has an extensive standard library that offers ready-to-use classes and methods for typical programming tasks, such as input/output.

Q. What is the difference between JDK, JRE, and JVM?

Here are the key differences between JDK, JRE, and JVM:

Feature	JDK (Java Development Kit)	JRE (Java Runtime Environment)	JVM (Java Virtual Machine)
Definition	A software development kit used to develop Java applications.	A runtime environment that allows Java applications to run.	An engine that executes Java bytecode.
Components	Includes JRE, compilers, debuggers, and development tools.	Contains the JVM and standard Java class libraries.	Responsible for loading, verifying, and executing Java bytecode.
Usage	Used by developers for writing, compiling, and debugging Java programs.	Used by users to run Java applications on their machines.	Used by the JRE to execute Java programs.
Installation	Requires installation for development purposes.	Installed with the JDK or separately for running applications.	Not installed separately; it comes as part of the JRE.
Target Audience	Java developers and programmers.	End-users who want to run Java applications.	Internal to the Java runtime environment; not directly interacted with by users.

Q. Does JAVA_HOME need to be in the path?

No, the system's PATH variable does not need to contain JAVA_HOME itself. On the other hand, you may run Java-related commands (java, javac, etc.) from any directory at the command prompt without having to provide the entire path to the executable by adding %JAVA_HOME%\bin to the PATH variable.

The system can find Java executables (such as java.exe and javac.exe) without explicitly giving their entire paths by adding %JAVA_HOME%\bin to the PATH variable. This can be useful, particularly if you use Java a lot and have to execute commands from different folders.

Q. Do I need to install JDK?

Depending on your unique needs and the purposes for which you want to use Java, you may or may not need to install the Java Development Kit (JDK). The following situations may need the installation of the JDK:

Creating Java apps: The JDK is required if you intend to create desktop, online, or mobile Java apps. The Java Development Kit (JDK) contains the tools required for building and executing Java code, such as the Java compiler javac and the Java runtime java.
Java Programmes: Installing the JDK may not be necessary if the only thing you need to do with your machine is execute Java programs or applets. Alternatively, you can install the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which consists just of the libraries and Java runtime needed to execute Java programs. Still, note that some applications may require the JDK even for running.
Development Tools and Libraries: The Java Development Kit (JDK), Java API documentation, and a number of utilities are among the development tools and libraries that are included with the JDK and are necessary for Java development. To use these tools for development, you must first install the Java Development Kit.
Learning Java: Installing the JDK will provide you access to development tools like the Java compiler and allow you to practice writing and compiling Java code on your own PC. This is especially important if you are learning Java programming.

This concludes our discussion on how to install Java on our respective systems. Here are a few other topics that you might be interested in reading:

Edited by

Muskaan Mishra

Technical Content Editor

I’m a Computer Science graduate with a knack for creative ventures. Through content at Unstop, I am trying to simplify complex tech concepts and make them fun. When I’m not decoding tech jargon, you’ll find me indulging in great food and then burning it out at the gym.

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