How To Install Java on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Java on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. To effectively install and utilize Java, it’s essential to understand the differences between the Java Development Kit (JDK), Java Runtime Environment (JRE), and Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The JDK is a software development kit that provides the necessary tools and libraries for developing Java applications. It includes the JRE, which is responsible for running Java programs. The JVM, on the other hand, is an abstract machine that provides the runtime environment for executing Java bytecode.

When choosing the right Java version for your development needs, consider factors such as compatibility with existing projects, performance requirements, and the specific features offered by each release.

This article assumes you have at least basic knowledge of Linux, know how to use the shell, and most importantly, you host your site on your own VPS. The installation is quite simple and assumes you are running in the root account, if not you may need to add ‘sudo‘ to the commands to get root privileges. I will show you the step-by-step installation of the Java programming language on Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat). You can follow the same instructions for Ubuntu 22.04 and any other Debian-based distribution like Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Pop!_OS, and more as well.

Prerequisites

• A server running one of the following operating systems: Ubuntu and any other Debian-based distribution like Linux Mint.
• It’s recommended that you use a fresh OS install to prevent any potential issues.
• SSH access to the server (or just open Terminal if you’re on a desktop).
• An active internet connection. You’ll need an internet connection to download the necessary packages and dependencies.
• An Ubuntu 24.04 system with root access or a user with sudo privileges.

Install Java on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat

Step 1. Updating the Package Repository.

To begin the Java installation process, it’s crucial to start with an up-to-date Ubuntu system. Updating your system ensures that you have the latest security patches, bug fixes, and compatible libraries. Open your terminal and run the following command to update the package indexes:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This command will fetch the latest package information from the Ubuntu repositories, allowing you to install the most recent version of Java and its dependencies. Updating the package repository is crucial to maintaining the security and stability of your system.

Step 2. Installing Java on Ubuntu 24.04.

• Method 1: Installing Java Using the Default Apt Repository

The simplest way to install Java on Ubuntu 24.04 is by using the default apt package manager. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

sudo apt install default-jdk default-jre

Once the installation is complete, verify the Java version:

java -version

Using the default repository ensures a seamless installation process and automatic updates through the package manager. However, keep in mind that the version provided by the default repository may not always be the latest release.

• Method 2: Installing Java Using the Oracle Package

For developers who require a specific Java version or prefer to use Oracle’s official distribution, installing Java using the Oracle package is a suitable option. Here’s how to proceed:

1. 1. Visit the Oracle Java SE Downloads page and download the appropriate JDK package for your system.
   2. Once the download is complete, open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the package is located.
   3. Install the package using the following command, replacing <package-name> with the actual name of the downloaded file:

sudo dpkg -i <package-name>.deb

1. 4. After the installation, set the environment variables for Oracle Java:

sudo apt install oracle-java17-set-default

1. 5. Verify the installation by checking the Java version:

java -version

Using the Oracle package provides access to the latest Java releases and specific versions required for your projects. However, be aware of the licensing implications and terms associated with Oracle Java.

Step 3. Switching Between Different Java Versions.

If you have multiple Java versions installed on your Ubuntu 24.04 system, you can easily switch between them using the update-alternatives command. Here’s how:

sudo update-alternatives --config java

Enter the number corresponding to the Java version you want to set as the default.

Verify that the default Java version has been updated:

java -version

By managing multiple Java installations and setting the default version, you can seamlessly work on projects with different Java requirements without the need for constant reinstallation.

Step 4. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

During the Java installation process on Ubuntu 24.04, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• If you encounter permission-related errors, ensure that you have sudo privileges and use the appropriate commands.
• If the installation fails due to unmet dependencies, run sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade to resolve any package conflicts.
• If you face issues with setting environment variables, double-check the paths and syntax in the configuration files.

By following these troubleshooting tips and referring to the official documentation and community forums, you can overcome most installation challenges and ensure a smooth Java setup on Ubuntu 24.04.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Java. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Java programming language on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the Java website.