What Do I Need Java For On My Mac



Java

This topic includes the following sections:

  1. Learning Java is one of the smartest things you can do at the moment. The world's most popular programming language is easy to set up and install on a Mac, and there are plenty of resources to.
  2. How do I find out which version of Java is the system default? When you run a Java application from the command line, it uses the default JDK. If you do not develop Java applications, then you do not need to worry about this. See Determining the Default JDK Version on macOS.
  3. Java was bundled into Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard by default, and kept on if a Mac user upgraded his machine from Snow Leopard to Mac OS X 10.7 Lion.

How Important Is Java for the Mac? I seem to be getting notifications for Java updates with increasing frequency. I always try to keep all software up-to-date on my Mac, but not only is Java popping up more often, but the update installer wants to change my homepage to Yahoo. Do not attempt to uninstall Java by removing the Java tools from /usr/bin. This directory is part of the system software and any changes will be reset by Apple the next time you perform an update of the OS. Note: After successfully uninstalling Java, you may remove Java.

System Requirements for Installing the JDK on macOS

The following are the system requirements for installing the JDK on macOS:

  • Any Intel-based computer running macOS.

  • Administrator privileges.

    You cannot install Java for a single user. Installing the JDK on macOS is performed on a systemwide basis for all users. Administrator privileges are required to install the JDK on macOS.

Determining the Default JDK Version on macOS

When starting a Java application through the command line, the system uses the default JDK.

There can be multiple JDKs installed on the macOS system.

You can determine which version of the JDK is the default by entering java -version in a Terminal window. If the installed version is 13 Interim 0, Update 0, and Patch 0, then you see a string that includes the text 13. For example:

To run a different version of Java, either specify the full path, or use the java_home tool. For example:

$ /usr/libexec/java_home -v 13 --exec javac -version

Installing the JDK on macOS

  1. Download the JDK .dmg file, jdk-13.interim.update.patch_osx-x64_bin.dmg.

    Before the file can be downloaded, you must accept the license agreement.

  2. From either the browser Downloads window or from the file browser, double-click the .dmg file to start it.
    A Finder window appears that contains an icon of an open box and the name of the .pkg file.
  3. Double-click the JDK 13.pkg icon to start the installation application.
    The installation application displays the Introduction window.
  4. Click Continue.
  5. Click Install.
    A window appears that displays the message: Installer is trying to install new software. Enter your password to allow this.
  6. Enter the Administrator user name and password and click Install Software.
    The software is installed and a confirmation window is displayed.
After the software is installed, you can delete the .dmg file if you want to save disk space.

Uninstalling the JDK on macOS

You must have Administrator privileges.

Note:

Do not attempt to uninstall Java by removing the Java tools from /usr/bin. This directory is part of the system software and any changes will be reset by Apple the next time that you perform an update of the OS.

  1. Go to /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines.
  2. Remove the directory whose name matches the following format by executing the rm command as a root user or by using the sudo tool:
    /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-13.interim.update.patch.jdk

    For example, to uninstall 13 Interim 0 Update 0 Patch 0:

    $ rm -rf jdk-13.jdk

Installation FAQ on macOS Platform

This topic provides answers for the following frequently asked questions about installing JDK on macOS computers.

1. How do I find out which version of Java is the system default?

When you run a Java application from the command line, it uses the default JDK. If you do not develop Java applications, then you do not need to worry about this. See Determining the Default JDK Version on macOS.

2. How do I uninstall Java?

See Uninstalling the JDK on macOS.

3. After installing Java for macOS 2012-006, can I continue to use Apple's Java 6 alongside the macOS JDK for Java 13?

If you want to continue to develop with Java 6 using command-line, then you can modify the startup script for your favorite command environment. For bash, use this:

What do i need java for on my macbook pro

$ export JAVA_HOME=`/usr/libexec/java_home -v 13`

Some applications use /usr/bin/java to call Java. After installing Java for macOS 2012-006, /usr/bin/java will find the newest JDK installed, and will use that for all of the Java-related command-line tools in /usr/bin. You may need to modify those applications to find Java 6, or contact the developer for a newer version of the application.

4. What happened to the Java Preferences app in Application Utilities?

The Java Preferences app was part of the Apple Java installation and is not used by Oracle Java. Therefore, macOS releases from Apple that do not include Apple Java will not include Java Preferences.

How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later

If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:

  1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
  2. If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
  3. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

Do I Need Java On My Macbook Air

To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.

To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.

How to get updates for earlier macOS versions

If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:

  1. Open the App Store app on your Mac.
  2. Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
  3. Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
  4. When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.

To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.


* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu  > Software Update.

Do I Need Java On My Mac Mojave

How to get updates for iOS

Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.

Learn more

Do I Need Java On My Mac Catalina

  • Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
  • Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
  • You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
  • Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.