How to set or change the default Java (JDK) version on OS X?

Question

How can you change the default version of Java on a mac?

Answer 1

TOO EASY SOLUTION: What a headache - this was a quick easy solution that worked for me.

Mac OS Sierra Version 10.12.13

1. Use the shortcut keys: CMD+SHIFT+G - type in "/Library/"

2. Find the JAVA folder

3. Right Click Java Folder = Move to Trash (Password Required)

4. Install: Java SE Development Kit 8 jdk-8u131-macosx-x64.dmg | Download Javascript SDK

5. Make sure the new JAVA folder appears in /LIBRARY/
6. Install Eclipse | Install Eclipse IDE for Java Developers
7. Boom Done

Answer 2

Use jenv is an easy way.

1.Install jenv

curl -s get.jenv.io | bash

2.Config jenv

cd ~/.jenv/candidates/
mkdir java
cd java
mkdir 1.7
mkdir 1.8

3.Symlink the jdk path

ln -s /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.7.0_79.jdk/Contents/Home/bin ~/.jenv/candidates/java/1.7
ln -s /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_45.jdk/Contents/Home/bin ~/.jenv/candidates/java/1.8

4.You are all set

switch command:

jenv use java 1.8

set default:

jenv default java 1.7

Answer 3

tl;dr

Add the line:

export JAVA_HOME='/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_144.jdk/Contents/Home'

to the file

~/.bash_profile

(replace jdk1.8.0_144.jdk with your downloaded version)

then source ~/.bash_profile

Answer 4

Four easy steps using terminal for people who uses the default process.. :)

1. echo $JAVA_HOME gives you current java home. For eg: /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_191.jdk/Contents/Home/

2. cd /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/ will take you to the folder where u normally install jdks (It might be different for your machines)

3. ls shows you available folders (normally it will have the version numbers, for eg: jdk1.8.0_191.jdk openjdk-11.0.2.jdk)
4. export JAVA_HOME='/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/openjdk-11.0.2.jdk/Contents/Home' will change the java home..