Setting Up Java on Windows, Linux, and macOS

Java is a powerful programming language used for building applications, web services, and more. To start developing with Java, you need to set up the Java Development Kit (JDK) and configure the JAVA_HOME environment variable. This guide will walk you through setting up Java on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

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Installing Java

Windows

1. Download the JDK
   • Visit the Oracle JDK website and download the latest JDK.
   • Choose the appropriate installer (e.g., Windows x64 Installer .exe).
   • Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
2. Verify Installation Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd) and run:java -versionYou should see the installed Java version.
3. Set JAVA_HOME
   • Open System Properties (Win + R → sysdm.cpl → Advanced → Environment Variables).
   • Under “System Variables,” click “New” and enter:
     • Variable name: JAVA_HOME
     • Variable value: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-XX.X.X (replace with your actual installation path)
   • Add %JAVA_HOME%\bin to the Path variable.
4. Verify Configuration Open a new Command Prompt and run:echo %JAVA_HOME% javac -versionIf correctly set up, you should see the Java installation path and the compiler version.

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

1. Install OpenJDK Run the following command in the terminal:sudo apt update sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk
2. Verify Installationjava -version
3. Set JAVA_HOME Find the Java installation path:sudo update-alternatives --config javaIt will display a list of installed Java versions.Edit the profile settings:nano ~/.bashrcAdd the following lines at the end:export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64 export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATHSave and apply changes:source ~/.bashrc
4. Verify Configurationecho $JAVA_HOME javac -version

macOS

1. Install Java via Homebrewbrew install openjdk@17
2. Find Java Installation Path/usr/libexec/java_home -V
3. Set JAVA_HOME Edit your shell configuration file (for zsh users):nano ~/.zshrcAdd the following line:export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home) export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATHSave and apply changes:source ~/.zshrc
4. Verify Configurationecho $JAVA_HOME javac -version

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