Last Updated on August 7, 2025 by Arnav Sharma
Installing Java on a macOS system can seem like a daunting task, especially for those new to the macOS or Java environments. However, with a step-by-step guide, the process becomes straightforward. Whether you are a developer or simply need Java to run certain applications, this guide will walk you through the installation of Java on macOS, ensuring you have the right version and setup to meet your needs.
Step 1: Understanding Java on macOS
Java is a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. There are several versions of Java, but the most commonly used version is Oracle’s JDK (Java Development Kit). The JDK includes the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) and development tools necessary for developing and running Java applications.
Step 2: Checking Your Current Java Version
Before installing a new version of Java, it’s essential to check if you already have a version installed on your macOS. Open the Terminal and type:
java -version
If Java is installed, you will see output indicating the current version. If not, the terminal will inform you that the command is not found.
Step 3: Downloading the JDK
To install the latest version of Java, visit the Oracle Java SE Downloads page. Here, you can download the appropriate version for your macOS.
- Go to the Oracle Java SE Downloads page.
- Select the latest version of the JDK, such as Java 8 update, to ensure compatibility with macOS.
- Download the macOS installer.
Step 4: Installing the JDK
Once the download is complete, follow these steps to install the JDK:
- Locate the downloaded .dmg file for Java for Mac OS installation. in your Downloads folder and double-click it to open.
- Double-click the package icon to start the installation process.
- Follow the prompts provided by the installer. You will need administrator privileges to complete the installation. Enter your password when prompted.
- Once the installation of Java for macOS is complete, the installer will close.
Step 5: Verifying the Installation
To ensure that Java has been installed correctly, open the Terminal again and type:
java -version
This command should now return the version of Java that you just installed. Additionally, you can verify the installation directory by checking the java_home environment variable:
echo $JAVA_HOME
Step 6: Setting JAVA_HOME Environment Variable
Setting the JAVA_HOME variable is crucial for development purposes. You can set this variable by adding the following line to your shell profile file (.bash_profile, .zshrc, etc.):
export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home)
After updating the file, apply the changes by sourcing it:
source ~/.bash_profile
or
source ~/.zshrc
Step 7: Keeping Java Updated
It’s important to keep your Java version up-to-date on Mac OS X to benefit from the latest features and security updates. Oracle regularly releases updates and new versions of Java, including Java 8 update for macOS. You can check for updates through the Oracle website or use the auto-update feature if you have it enabled.