What is Java Installation?

Before writing Java programs, you need to install Java Development Kit (JDK) on your computer. JDK contains all tools required to develop and run Java applications.

What is JDK?

JDK stands for Java Development Kit. It helps developers write, compile, and execute Java programs.

• Contains Java Compiler (javac)
• Includes JVM (Java Virtual Machine)
• Provides JRE (Java Runtime Environment)
• Required for Java development

Step 1 - Download Java

Open your browser and visit the official Oracle Java website.

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows
• Linux
• macOS

Windows users should download the .exe installer.

Step 2 - Install Java

After downloading the installer:

• Double click the installer file
• Click Next
• Select installation location
• Click Install
• Wait for installation to complete

Step 3 - Set Environment Variables

Environment variables allow Java commands to run from anywhere in the command prompt.

Create JAVA_HOME Variable

• Open Windows Search
• Search "Environment Variables"
• Open "Edit the system environment variables"
• Click Environment Variables
• Create a new System Variable

Variable Name: JAVA_HOME

Variable Value:
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-21

Update Path Variable

%JAVA_HOME%\bin

Step 4 - Verify Java Installation

Open Command Prompt and type:

java -version

If Java is installed correctly, the installed version will appear.

Check Java Compiler

javac -version

Your First Java Program

Create a file named Hello.java and write the following code:

public class Hello {

    public static void main(String[] args) {

        System.out.println("Hello Java");

    }

}

Compile the Program

javac Hello.java

Run the Program

java Hello

Output

Hello Java

Popular Java Editors

• VS Code
• IntelliJ IDEA
• Eclipse
• NetBeans

Common Java Installation Errors

Conclusion

Java installation is the first step toward becoming a Java developer. Once Java is installed correctly, you can start building Java applications, Android apps, and enterprise software.