Managing Multiple Java Versions on macOS

Summary: Learn how to manage multiple Java versions on macOS with ease. This guide covers installation, configuration, and switching between different Java versions using tools like Homebrew and jEnv.
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Managing Multiple Java Versions on macOS

Java developers often need to switch between different Java versions for various projects. macOS, with its UNIX-like environment, offers robust tools to manage multiple Java versions seamlessly. This guide will walk you through the process of installing, configuring, and switching between different Java versions on macOS.

Installing Java Versions

The most efficient way to manage multiple Java versions on macOS is by using Homebrew, a popular package manager for macOS. Homebrew simplifies the installation process and ensures that you have the necessary tools to manage Java versions.

Install Homebrew: If you haven't installed Homebrew yet, open your Terminal and run the following command:

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Install Java Versions: With Homebrew installed, you can now install different versions of Java. For example, to install Java 8, Java 11, and Java 16, use the following commands:

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Homebrew installs the JDKs in /usr/local/opt/ by default.

Managing Java Versions with jEnv

jEnv is a lightweight command-line tool that helps manage multiple Java versions. It allows you to set global, local (per project), and shell-specific Java versions.

Install jEnv: Install jEnv using Homebrew:

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After installation, add jEnv to your shell by running the following commands:

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Add Java Versions to jEnv: Add the installed Java versions to jEnv:

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Set Java Versions: You can set the global, local, or shell-specific Java versions using jEnv.

Global version (applies to all shells):

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Local version (applies to the current directory and its subdirectories):

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Shell-specific version (applies to the current shell session):

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Verifying Java Version

To verify the currently active Java version, you can use the following command:

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This command will display the version of Java currently in use, confirming that the configuration is correct.

Conclusion

Managing multiple Java versions on macOS is straightforward with tools like Homebrew and jEnv. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily switch between different Java versions to suit your project's requirements. This setup ensures a flexible development environment, allowing you to work efficiently across various Java projects.