Java Versions: How to View and Switch Versions

Java is everywhere in the tech community. Since its launch in 1995, with multiple versions, new features, performance improvements, and security patches, Java has evolved a lot. With these many versions, comes a new problem. Which Java version should you choose? By default, everyone thinks that the latest version is always the best.

Unless your organizational policy demands so, the latest version of any software package is not the best option for you. You have to know the advantages and disadvantages of each version, its compatibility with your tech environment, and so many more parameters.

To choose the right Java version, you should consider the stability, long-term support (LTS), and compatibility with your distro. In this article, let us explain the most common Java versions, their features, and best practices to select the best Java version for your device.

Different Java Versions Explained

Java is a stable and matured product. It follows a structured release cycle with each version being released every six months and LTS version being rolled out every three years. Here are the most commonly used Java versions:

Java SE 8: Old but Still the Gold Standard

This version was launched in 2014, but this is still one of the most widely used Java version. These are some of the reasons why this version is preferred by programmers:

• This version introduced the Lambda expressions for functional programming
• Introduced Stream API for handling different collections efficiently
• Provided enhanced Date and Time API
• Still provides long-term stability and preferred around the world.

Java SE 11: LTS version

This version was launched in 2018 and still being used worldwide. Let us see some of the reasons why:

• Deprecated old APIs
• Removed the Java EE modules
• Introduced the var for local variable type inference
• Enhanced GC (garbage collection) mechanisms
• Still supported as an LTS release. Hence this is a popular choice for production environments.

Java SE 17: Second Latest LTS version (at the time of publishing)

This version is the one that:

• Added pattern matching for switch
• Provided enhanced performance with sealed classes and encapsulated JDK
• Supported foreign function and memory API
• Is recommended for modern applications by Linux community

Java SE 21: Latest LTS version

This comes feature packed with:

• Virtual threads for better concurrency
• Enhanced record patterns and pattern matching
• Scoped Values API for better memory management
• Cutting edge features

How to Choose the Right Java Version

Java 8 is preferred if:

• If you still have a few legacy applications
• You need a stable and widely supported Java version
• Your organization still used older frameworks like 2.X.X series of Spring Boot

Use Java 11 if:

• You require an LTS version with regular updates
• You want both modern features with existing application compatibility
• Your projects depend on containerized deployments and microservices

Use Java 17 if:

• You are working on a new project and require an LTS version
• You want recent security updates
• You need an LTS version with improved concurrency and memory management

Use Java 21 if:

• You are experimenting with new Java APIs and improvement
• You want the latest features and enhancements
• Your project requires advanced concurrency models

How to Check the Java Version

To check the version of Java installed in your system, run the following command in your terminal window:

java -version

How to Install and Manage Java Versions

Let us take you through some of the common ways to install and manage Java versions.

Install Java using SDKMAN

This works in Linux and macOS devices. Run the command:

curl -s "https://get.sdkman.io" | bash
source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"
sdk install java 17.0.1-open

Install Java using apt

This method works in distros like Ubuntu and Debian. Execute the command:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk

How to Install Java using Yum

In devices that have the yum package manager, execute the command:

sudo yum install java-17-openjdk-devel

How to Switch Java Versions

If you use Linux or MacOS devices, execute the command:

sudo update-alternatives --config java

If you are working on Windows devices, execute:

setx JAVA_HOME "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17"

Key Takeaways

There is no universal right Java version. The best Java version depends on your project requirements, organizational policy, support requirements, and performance expectations. While Java 8 is a safe bet and can be used for legacy applications, Java 21 is perfect for developers experimenting with latest features. Keeping up with the Java’s release notes will help you in choosing and planning your projects well.

By understanding the differences between Java versions, you can make informed decisions on which Java version to install or switch to and get the most out of it.

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