How to Install Java 8 on Linux Using Yum?

In today’s digital age, Java remains an integral part of software development. Whether you’re a developer, a system administrator, or simply an enthusiast, knowing how to install Java 8 on Linux using Yum can be a valuable skill. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to install Java 8 on your Linux system effortlessly.

Understanding Java 8

Before diving into the installation process, let’s take a moment to understand what Java 8 brings to the table. Java 8 introduced several groundbreaking features, including lambda expressions, the Stream API, and improved date and time APIs. These additions have made Java 8 a popular choice for both new and existing projects.

Prerequisites

To successfully install Java 8 on your Linux system using Yum, you’ll need to ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

A Linux-based operating system (CentOS, Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.)
Access to the command line with administrative privileges.

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s proceed with the installation process.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing Java 8, it’s always a good practice to update your system’s package repository and installed packages. Open your terminal and run the following command:

sudo yum update

This command will ensure that your system is up to date and ready for the installation process.

Step 2: Add the Yum Repository

Yum is a package manager for Red Hat-based Linux distributions, and it makes installing Java 8 a breeze. To add the Yum repository, execute the following command:

sudo yum install yum-utils
sudo yum-config-manager --add-repo https://adoptopenjdk.jfrog.io/adoptopenjdk/rpm/adoptopenjdk.repo

Adding the repository allows you to access the necessary packages for Java 8 installation.

Step 3: Install Java 8

With the repository in place, you can now install Java 8 using Yum. Run the following command:

sudo yum install adoptopenjdk-8-hotspot

This command will download and install Java 8 on your system.

Step 4: Verify Java Installation

To confirm that Java 8 has been successfully installed, you can use the following command:

java -version

You should see information about Java 8, indicating that the installation was successful.

Configuring Environment Variables

To ensure that your system recognizes Java 8, you need to configure the necessary environment variables.

Setting JAVA_HOME

JAVA_HOME is an environment variable that points to the Java installation directory. To set it, open your terminal and run:

echo 'export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/adoptopenjdk-8-hotspot-amd64' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Setting PATH

The PATH variable should include the Java binary directory. Add it by running:

echo 'export PATH=$PATH:$JAVA_HOME/bin' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Installing Java 8 on Specific Linux Distros

The process for installing Java 8 using Yum is consistent across most Linux distributions. However, there are some slight variations for specific distros.

FAQs

Can I have multiple versions of Java on my Linux system?

Yes, you can have multiple Java versions coexisting on your Linux machine. We’ll explain how.

What are the advantages of using yum for Java installation?

Discover the benefits of using yum as your package manager for Java.

Is Java 8 still supported?

Learn about the support status of Java 8 and its implications.

Can I uninstall Java 8 if needed?

We’ll show you how to remove Java 8 from your Linux system if you ever need to.

Are there alternatives to yum for Java installation?

Explore alternative methods for installing Java 8 on Linux.

How can I keep my Java 8 installation up-to-date?

Find out how to ensure your Java 8 installation stays current.