Java is a powerful programming language and a crucial component for many applications and development environments. Whether you’re working on web applications, Android development, or backend systems, Java is a necessary tool. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install Java on Ubuntu, covering both the OpenJDK and Oracle JDK options.

Method 1: Installing OpenJDK

OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform and is readily available through Ubuntu’s default repositories.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open your terminal.

Step 2: Update the Package Repository

Before installing anything, make sure your package list is up to date:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install OpenJDK

To install the default JDK, run the following command:

sudo apt install default-jdk

This command installs both the Java Development Kit (JDK) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

Step 4: Verify Installation

After the installation is complete, verify it by checking the Java version:

java -version

You should see output indicating the installed Java version.

Method 2: Installing Oracle JDK

Oracle’s JDK offers additional features not included in OpenJDK, and you can install it from a third-party repository.

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

First, ensure that you have the software-properties-common package installed:

sudo apt install software-properties-common

Step 2: Add the Oracle PPA

Next, add the repository that contains Oracle’s JDK installer:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linuxuprising/java -y

Step 3: Update the Package Repository

Update your package list again to include the new repository:

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install Oracle JDK

To install Oracle JDK 17, run the following command:

sudo apt install oracle-java17-installer

You’ll be prompted to accept the Oracle license agreement during installation.

Step 5: Set Oracle JDK as Default (Optional)

If you have multiple Java versions installed and want Oracle JDK to be the default, run:

sudo update-alternatives --config java

Follow the prompts to select your preferred Java version.

Step 6: Verify Installation

Finally, confirm the installation by checking the version:

java -version

Optional: Setting the JAVA_HOME Environment Variable

Some applications require the JAVA_HOME environment variable to be set. Here’s how to set it up.

Step 1: Find the Java Installation Path

Run the following command to find where Java is installed:

readlink -f $(which java)

Step 2: Edit the Environment File

Open the /etc/environment file in a text editor:

sudo nano /etc/environment

Step 3: Add the JAVA_HOME Variable

Add the following line at the end of the file, replacing /path/to/java with the actual Java installation path (e.g., /usr/lib/jvm/java-17-oracle):

JAVA_HOME="/path/to/java"

Step 4: Apply Changes

To apply the changes, run:

source /etc/environment

Conclusion

Whether you choose OpenJDK or Oracle JDK, installing Java on Ubuntu is a straightforward process. By following this guide, you can set up Java for your development needs in no time. For more tutorials and tips, visit CodeAllow.