How to Install Java 8 on Linux
In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Java 8 on Linux. Java is a widely-used programming language and platform, and it is essential for running various applications and developing software. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, knowing how to install Java on your Linux system is a fundamental skill. Let’s get started with the installation process.
Step 1: Update Your System
Before installing Java 8 on your Linux system, it is crucial to ensure that your system is up-to-date. This will help prevent any potential issues during the installation process. To update your system, open the terminal and run the following command:
“`
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
“`
For Fedora or CentOS users, use the following commands:
“`
sudo dnf update
“`
Step 2: Install Java 8
There are several methods to install Java 8 on Linux. In this article, we will discuss two popular methods: using the OpenJDK package manager and downloading the Java 8 package manually.
Method 1: Using the OpenJDK Package Manager
The OpenJDK package manager is the recommended method for installing Java on most Linux distributions. This method is straightforward and ensures that you have the latest version of OpenJDK.
To install Java 8 using the OpenJDK package manager, follow these steps:
1. Open the terminal.
2. For Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions, run the following command:
“`
sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk
“`
For Fedora, run:
“`
sudo dnf install java-1.8.0-openjdk
“`
For CentOS, run:
“`
sudo yum install java-1.8.0-openjdk
“`
3. Once the installation is complete, verify that Java 8 is installed by running:
“`
java -version
“`
The output should show the version of Java installed, which should be 1.8.x.
Method 2: Downloading the Java 8 Package Manually
If you prefer to download the Java 8 package manually, follow these steps:
1. Visit the official Oracle Java website at https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-downloads.html.
2. Scroll down and click on the “Java Platform, Standard Edition 8” link.
3. Under the “Accept License Agreement” section, select the version you want to download (e.g., “Java Platform (JDK) 8u291”).
4. Click on the “Download” button for the Linux package (e.g., “jdk-8u291-linux-x64.tar.gz”).
5. Open the terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the Java package.
6. Extract the package using the following command:
“`
tar -xvf jdk-8u291-linux-x64.tar.gz
“`
7. Create a symbolic link to the Java bin directory:
“`
sudo ln -s /path/to/jdk1.8.0_291/bin/java /usr/bin/java
“`
Replace `/path/to/jdk1.8.0_291` with the actual path to your Java installation directory.
8. Verify that Java 8 is installed by running:
“`
java -version
“`
The output should show the version of Java installed, which should be 1.8.x.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Java 8 on your Linux system. Whether you used the OpenJDK package manager or downloaded the package manually, you are now ready to start using Java for your development projects. Remember to keep your Java installation updated for the best performance and security.
