What will you learn?
In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to download and install the software known as Java, in this instance we will install Java 17.
What is Java?
Java is a popular and widely used programming language initially developed by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle Corporation). It follows a versioning scheme where new versions are released periodically, introducing new features, improvements, and bug fixes.
Each major version of Java typically includes significant changes and enhancements. These changes can involve new language features, improvements to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), libraries, and APIs, as well as performance enhancements and security updates.
Guide
Step 1 – How to Download Java 17
Click the button on the right, which will redirect you to the Java download website.
Once you are in the Oracle website, click the tab that says “JDK 17”.
Now scroll down until you see the multiple Operative Systems, Linux, macOS and Windows, chose your OS.
For this guide, we will be using Windows.
After you have selected your OS, click the blue link next to the string that reads x64 installer, this will start the Download of Java 17 installer immediately.
Step 2 – How to Install Java 17 (JDK 17)
Open the installer for Java 17, it should be in your most recent downloads within your browser, or you can also find it in your downloads’ folder.
Once you have located the file, which might be named something like
jdk-17_windows-x64_bin.exe, go ahead and launch it.
When you double-click on the installer, you might be prompt with an Administrator Sign that requires your knowledge to open the installer, just allow it to run.
Once the installer is open, click Next>
In the following screen, you will click Next.
Now just wait for Java(TM) SE Development Kit 17 to fully install.
After the installation is done, just click the button labeled as Close.
Now you have Java installed on your PC, we recommend that you run Jarfix after installing any Java in your PC to update your Jar files.
Also keep in mind, if you had any older version of Java installed, you might have to uninstall. This will prevent compatibility issues when running Java based software.
FAQ
What are the new features and enhancements in Java 17?
Some of the new features and enhancements in Java 17 include the introduction of Sealed Classes, Pattern Matching for Switch, Foreign Function & Memory API, macOS rendering pipeline improvements, updates to the garbage collectors, and other performance improvements. Additionally, it includes various API enhancements and bug fixes.
Is Java 17 a long-term support (LTS) release?
No, Java 17 is not an LTS release. The LTS releases are typically designated every three years. Java 11 is the most recent LTS release, and the next LTS release is expected to be Java 17’s successor.
Can I upgrade my existing Java version to Java 17?
Yes, you can upgrade your existing Java version to Java 17. However, it’s important to note that compatibility with your existing code and libraries should be considered before upgrading.
Which platforms and operating systems support Java 17?
Java 17 is designed to be platform-independent, and it is supported on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and others.
What are the system requirements for running Java 17?
The system requirements for running Java 17 are generally similar to other recent Java versions. It is recommended to have a compatible operating system, meet the minimum hardware requirements, and have a supported Java Development Kit (JDK) installed.
Is Java 17 backward compatible with previous versions of Java?
Java is designed to maintain backward compatibility, which means that code written for previous versions of Java should generally run on Java 17 without requiring significant changes. However, it’s important to review the release notes and potential deprecations to ensure compatibility.
Are there any known issues or deprecations in Java 17?
Java 17 release notes provide details on any known issues, bug fixes, and deprecated features. It’s advisable to review the release notes specific to Java 17 to stay informed about any potential impact on your code.
What is the end-of-life (EOL) date for Java 17?
The end-of-life (EOL) date for Java 17 depends on the release cycle and the subsequent LTS release. Since Java 17 is not an LTS release, it will have a shorter support timeline compared to an LTS version. It’s recommended to refer to Oracle’s official documentation or Java community announcements for the specific EOL details.
