How Do You Update Java on a Linux System?

Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages and platforms across various operating systems, including Linux. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or an enthusiast, keeping your Java installation up to date is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, security, and compatibility with the latest applications. Updating Java on a Linux system might seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward and manageable task.

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, staying current with Java updates helps protect your system from vulnerabilities and unlocks new features and improvements introduced by Oracle or OpenJDK contributors. Linux users benefit from multiple ways to install and update Java, ranging from package managers to manual installations, each suited to different needs and distributions. Understanding these options empowers you to maintain a robust and efficient Java environment tailored to your workflow.

This article will walk you through the essentials of updating Java on Linux, highlighting key considerations and common methods. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to keep your Java setup fresh and secure, ensuring that your projects and applications run smoothly on your Linux machine.

Updating Java Using Package Managers on Linux

Updating Java on Linux systems is most efficiently handled through native package managers, which manage software dependencies and versions. The specific commands and package names depend on your Linux distribution. Most modern distributions include OpenJDK as the default Java implementation, which is open source and suitable for most uses.

For Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu, you can update Java using `apt`. First, update your package index, then install the latest Java package:

“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk
“`

If you have an older Java version installed, the package manager will handle the upgrade automatically. To check the installed Java version, use:

“`bash
java -version
“`

For Red Hat-based distributions such as CentOS, Fedora, or RHEL, use the `dnf` or `yum` package manager:

“`bash
sudo dnf install java-17-openjdk-devel
“`

or for older systems:

“`bash
sudo yum install java-17-openjdk-devel
“`

If multiple Java versions are installed, you can configure the default version using the `update-alternatives` system:

“`bash
sudo update-alternatives –config java
“`

This command will display a list of installed Java versions, prompting you to select the default.

Manually Installing and Updating Java on Linux

In some scenarios, you may need to manually install or update Java, especially when a specific Oracle JDK version is required or when the package manager does not provide the latest release.

Steps to manually update Java on Linux include:

Download the desired Java Development Kit (JDK) version from the official Oracle website or an OpenJDK provider.
Extract the archive to a preferred directory, commonly `/usr/lib/jvm/`.
Update system environment variables to point to the new Java version.
Configure alternatives to set the new Java binary as the default.

Example commands for manual installation:

“`bash
wget https://download.oracle.com/java/17/latest/jdk-17_linux-x64_bin.tar.gz
sudo tar -xzf jdk-17_linux-x64_bin.tar.gz -C /usr/lib/jvm/
“`

After extraction, update environment variables by adding the following to `/etc/profile.d/java.sh` or your shell profile:

“`bash
export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/jdk-17
export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH
“`

Apply the changes:

“`bash
source /etc/profile.d/java.sh
“`

Then, configure alternatives:

“`bash
sudo update-alternatives –install /usr/bin/java java /usr/lib/jvm/jdk-17/bin/java 1
sudo update-alternatives –config java
“`

Using SDKMAN! to Manage Java Versions

SDKMAN! is a versatile tool to install, manage, and switch between multiple Java versions and related SDKs on Linux. It simplifies the process of updating and changing Java environments without manual configuration.

To install SDKMAN!:

“`bash
curl -s “https://get.sdkman.io” | bash
source “$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh”
“`

Once installed, you can list available Java versions:

“`bash
sdk list java
“`

To install a specific version:

“`bash
sdk install java 17.0.6-tem
“`

Set a default version globally:

“`bash
sdk default java 17.0.6-tem
“`

Or set Java version per shell session:

“`bash
sdk use java 11.0.12-open
“`

SDKMAN! handles the environment variables automatically, making it ideal for developers who need flexibility between versions.

Comparison of Java Update Methods on Linux

Method	Ease of Use	Version Control	Suitable For	Notes
Package Manager (apt, dnf, yum)	High	Limited to repo versions	General system-wide installations	Automatic updates, stable versions
Manual Installation	Moderate	Full control	Specific version requirements	Requires manual environment setup
SDKMAN!	High	Multiple versions easily managed	Developers and multi-version users	Dynamic switching without reboot

Verifying Java Update Success

After updating Java, it is important to verify that the intended version is active and properly configured. Use the following commands to confirm:

Check Java version:

“`bash
java -version
“`

Check Java compiler version:

“`bash
javac -version
“`

Confirm `JAVA_HOME` environment variable:

“`bash
echo $JAVA_HOME
“`

If the output reflects the updated Java version and paths, the update was successful. Additionally, test running a simple Java program to ensure the runtime environment operates as expected.

Checking the Currently Installed Java Version

Before proceeding with an update, it is essential to verify the currently installed Java version on your Linux system. This ensures you understand what version is active and whether an update is necessary.

To check the installed Java version, open a terminal and execute the following command:

java -version

This command outputs information similar to:

openjdk version "11.0.18" 2023-04-18
OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 11.0.18+10)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 11.0.18+10, mixed mode)

If Java is not installed, the terminal will typically indicate that the command is not found or prompt to install it.

Updating Java Using the Package Manager

Most Linux distributions include Java packages that can be updated using the system’s package manager. This method is the safest and most straightforward way to keep Java up to date.

Debian/Ubuntu and Derivatives

For Debian-based systems, including Ubuntu, use the following commands:

Update package information:
```
sudo apt update
```
Upgrade all installed packages including Java:
```
sudo apt upgrade
```
If you want to install a specific Java version (e.g., OpenJDK 17):
```
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk
```

To verify the default Java version after installation or upgrade, run:

java -version

RHEL, CentOS, Fedora and Derivatives

For Red Hat-based systems, use the following commands depending on your package manager:

For systems using dnf (Fedora, newer CentOS, RHEL 8+):

sudo dnf check-update
sudo dnf upgrade java-17-openjdk

For systems using yum (older CentOS/RHEL):

sudo yum check-update
sudo yum update java-1.8.0-openjdk

Replace the package names with the specific Java version you require. After updating, confirm the active version with:

java -version

Installing Oracle Java Manually on Linux

For users who prefer Oracle Java over OpenJDK or require a specific Oracle Java version, manual installation is necessary since Oracle Java is not typically available in standard repositories.

Follow these steps:

Download the Oracle Java tar.gz package: Visit the Oracle Java Downloads page and download the Linux tar.gz archive for the desired version.
Extract the archive:
```
tar -xzf jdk--linux-x64_bin.tar.gz
```
Move the extracted folder to a system directory, for example:
```
sudo mv jdk- /usr/local/java/
```

Configure alternatives to set Oracle Java as default:

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

During the update-alternatives --config step, select the Oracle Java path to make it the default.

Setting JAVA_HOME Environment Variable

Many applications require the JAVA_HOME environment variable to be set correctly. After updating Java, ensure this environment variable points to the new Java installation.

To set JAVA_HOME temporarily in the current terminal session:

export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64

To set it permanently, add the export line to your shell configuration file, such as ~/.bashrc or ~/.profile:

echo 'export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Adjust the path to match your Java installation directory.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Java Update

Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution

Issue	Possible Cause	Recommended Solution
`java: command not found`	Java is not installed or Expert Guidance on Updating Java in Linux Environments Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Linux Systems Engineer, OpenSource Solutions Inc.) emphasizes, “To update Java on a Linux system effectively, it’s crucial to first identify the installed Java version using commands like `java -version`. Following this, leveraging the native package manager—such as `apt` for Debian-based distributions or `yum` for Red Hat-based systems—ensures a seamless and secure update process. Additionally, configuring alternatives with `update-alternatives` guarantees that the system uses the correct Java version after the update.” Rajiv Patel (DevOps Architect, CloudNative Technologies) advises, “Automating Java updates on Linux servers can significantly reduce downtime and security risks. Using configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet to script the update process allows for consistent deployment across multiple machines. It’s also important to validate compatibility with existing applications before upgrading to newer Java versions, especially when moving between major releases.” Linda Chen (Java Security Specialist, CyberSecure Labs) states, “Regularly updating Java on Linux is a critical security practice. Beyond using package managers, administrators should monitor official Oracle or OpenJDK release notes for security patches and vulnerabilities. In environments where the default repositories lag behind, manually installing the latest Java binaries and properly setting environment variables can provide timely protection against emerging threats.” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How do I check the current Java version installed on my Linux system? Use the command `java -version` in the terminal. This displays the installed Java version and runtime details. What is the recommended method to update Java on Linux? Use your distribution’s package manager, such as `apt` for Ubuntu/Debian or `yum`/`dnf` for CentOS/Fedora, to install the latest Java packages. How can I update Java manually if the package manager does not provide the latest version? Download the latest Java Development Kit (JDK) from the official Oracle or OpenJDK website, extract it, and configure environment variables like `JAVA_HOME` and `PATH` accordingly. How do I switch between multiple Java versions on Linux? Use the `update-alternatives` command to configure and select the default Java version system-wide. What permissions are required to update Java on a Linux system? Root or sudo privileges are necessary to install or update Java system-wide using package managers or manual installation. How can I verify that Java has been successfully updated on Linux? Run `java -version` again to confirm that the displayed version matches the newly installed update. Updating Java on a Linux system is a critical task to ensure that applications relying on the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or Java Development Kit (JDK) run securely and efficiently. The process typically involves identifying the currently installed Java version, removing outdated packages if necessary, and installing the latest version either from the official repositories or directly from Oracle or OpenJDK sources. Package managers like apt, yum, or dnf simplify this process, but manual installation may be required for specific Java versions or distributions. It is important to verify the update by checking the installed Java version using command-line tools such as `java -version`. Additionally, configuring environment variables like JAVA_HOME and updating system alternatives ensures that the new Java version is correctly recognized by the system and applications. Regularly updating Java not only provides access to new features but also patches security vulnerabilities, which is essential for maintaining system integrity and performance. In summary, maintaining an updated Java environment on Linux involves a clear understanding of the system’s package management, careful version control, and proper configuration. By following best practices for updating Java, users can achieve improved application compatibility, enhanced security, and optimal system performance. Staying informed about Java releases and update procedures is recommended for all Linux administrators and Author Profile Barbara Hernandez Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time. Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention. Latest entries July 5, 2025WordPress How Can You Speed Up Your WordPress Website Using These 10 Proven Techniques? July 5, 2025Python Should I Learn C++ or Python: Which Programming Language Is Right for Me? July 5, 2025Hardware Issues and Recommendations Is XFX a Reliable and High-Quality GPU Brand? July 5, 2025Stack Overflow Queries How Can I Convert String to Timestamp in Spark Using a Module? Post navigation Previous How Do You Use a WHERE Clause with a CASE Statement in SQL? Next How Can You Effectively Use a Case Statement in a Where Clause? You Can Also Read How Can I Fix the Cannot Convert Float NaN to Integer Error? Why Does Autoreconnect Fail with Error No_Cookie and How Can It Be Fixed? 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java: command not found

Java is not installed or

Expert Guidance on Updating Java in Linux Environments

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Linux Systems Engineer, OpenSource Solutions Inc.) emphasizes, “To update Java on a Linux system effectively, it’s crucial to first identify the installed Java version using commands like `java -version`. Following this, leveraging the native package manager—such as `apt` for Debian-based distributions or `yum` for Red Hat-based systems—ensures a seamless and secure update process. Additionally, configuring alternatives with `update-alternatives` guarantees that the system uses the correct Java version after the update.”

Rajiv Patel (DevOps Architect, CloudNative Technologies) advises, “Automating Java updates on Linux servers can significantly reduce downtime and security risks. Using configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet to script the update process allows for consistent deployment across multiple machines. It’s also important to validate compatibility with existing applications before upgrading to newer Java versions, especially when moving between major releases.”

Linda Chen (Java Security Specialist, CyberSecure Labs) states, “Regularly updating Java on Linux is a critical security practice. Beyond using package managers, administrators should monitor official Oracle or OpenJDK release notes for security patches and vulnerabilities. In environments where the default repositories lag behind, manually installing the latest Java binaries and properly setting environment variables can provide timely protection against emerging threats.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I check the current Java version installed on my Linux system?
Use the command `java -version` in the terminal. This displays the installed Java version and runtime details.

What is the recommended method to update Java on Linux?
Use your distribution’s package manager, such as `apt` for Ubuntu/Debian or `yum`/`dnf` for CentOS/Fedora, to install the latest Java packages.

How can I update Java manually if the package manager does not provide the latest version?
Download the latest Java Development Kit (JDK) from the official Oracle or OpenJDK website, extract it, and configure environment variables like `JAVA_HOME` and `PATH` accordingly.

How do I switch between multiple Java versions on Linux?
Use the `update-alternatives` command to configure and select the default Java version system-wide.

What permissions are required to update Java on a Linux system?
Root or sudo privileges are necessary to install or update Java system-wide using package managers or manual installation.

How can I verify that Java has been successfully updated on Linux?
Run `java -version` again to confirm that the displayed version matches the newly installed update.
Updating Java on a Linux system is a critical task to ensure that applications relying on the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or Java Development Kit (JDK) run securely and efficiently. The process typically involves identifying the currently installed Java version, removing outdated packages if necessary, and installing the latest version either from the official repositories or directly from Oracle or OpenJDK sources. Package managers like apt, yum, or dnf simplify this process, but manual installation may be required for specific Java versions or distributions.

It is important to verify the update by checking the installed Java version using command-line tools such as `java -version`. Additionally, configuring environment variables like JAVA_HOME and updating system alternatives ensures that the new Java version is correctly recognized by the system and applications. Regularly updating Java not only provides access to new features but also patches security vulnerabilities, which is essential for maintaining system integrity and performance.

In summary, maintaining an updated Java environment on Linux involves a clear understanding of the system’s package management, careful version control, and proper configuration. By following best practices for updating Java, users can achieve improved application compatibility, enhanced security, and optimal system performance. Staying informed about Java releases and update procedures is recommended for all Linux administrators and

Author Profile

Barbara Hernandez: Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.