How to Effectively Manage Multiple Java Versions on Mac OS X?

Managing Multiple Java Versions on Mac OS X

When developing on Mac OS X, multiple Java versions might be necessary for various projects with different compatibility requirements. This article explores how to effectively install and manage multiple Java versions on a Mac.

The Homebrew Approach

Homebrew, a popular package manager for Mac, offers a convenient solution to managing multiple Java versions. It includes homebrew-cask for installing Java versions and jenv for managing them.

Installation Steps

1. Install Homebrew using its official documentation.
2. Install homebrew-cask: brew install cask
3. Install jenv: brew install jenv
4. Install specific Java versions using cask (see homebrew-cask versions below)
5. Add each installed version to jenv: jenv add

Homebrew-cask Versions

Add the homebrew/cask-versions tap to Homebrew: brew tap homebrew/cask-versions

Search for specific versions using: brew search temurin. Then, install them: brew install --cask temurin8, brew install --cask temurin9.

Java Paths and Versions

Each installed Java version has a different path. Use /usr/libexec/java_home -V to check paths. On Mac OS X Mavericks, there are three common paths:

• Built-in JRE: /Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin/Contents/Home
• Apple JDK: /System/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/1.6.0.jdk/Contents/Home/
• Oracle JDK: /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_11.jdk/Contents/Home

Troubleshooting and Resources

• Removing Java 8 JDK: https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/288827/how-to-uninstall-java-jdk
• Managing multiple Java versions: http://hanxue-it.blogspot.ch/2014/05/installing-java-8-managing-multiple.html
• Homebrew documentation: http://brew.sh
• Homebrew-cask versions: https://github.com/caskroom/homebrew-versions
• Jenv: http://www.jenv.be

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