How to Update to Java 21 Using SDKMAN

Java 21, the latest version of the Java Development Kit (JDK), has just been released with exciting new features and improvements. If you're a Java developer and want to start using Java 21 for your projects, SDKMAN makes the process simple and efficient. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to update to Java 21 using SDKMAN.

What is SDKMAN?

SDKMAN is a powerful and convenient tool for managing multiple versions of SDKs and software packages, including various Java JDK versions. It simplifies the process of installing, switching, and managing different Java versions on your development machine.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have SDKMAN installed on your system. If you haven't already, you can follow the installation instructions on the SDKMAN website SDKMAN website.

Updating to Java 21

Here are the steps to update to Java 21 using SDKMAN:

Step 1: Open a Terminal

Open your terminal or command prompt. SDKMAN operates primarily through the command line, so you'll need to use a terminal window to execute the necessary commands.

Step 2: Check for Available Java Versions

Before installing Java 21, it's a good idea to check if it's available through SDKMAN. Use the following command to list the available Java versions:

sdk list java | grep 21

Step 3: Install Java 21

To install Java 21, use the following command:

sdk install java 21-oracle

Replace "21-oracle" with the exact version you want to install if there's a newer version available or if you want another Java vendor.

SDKMAN will download and install Java 21 for you. This process may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection and system performance.

Step 4: Set Java 21 as the Default Version

To make Java 21 the default Java version on your system, use the following command:

sdk use java 21-oracle

This sets Java 21 as the default Java version for your current terminal session. If you want to make it the default system-wide, you can use the same command without specifying a terminal session.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

To verify that Java 21 has been successfully installed and set as the default version, you can use the following commands:

java -version

This command should display the Java 21 version information.

Congratulations! You have successfully updated to Java 21 using SDKMAN. You can now start using the latest features and improvements in your Java projects.

Conclusion

SDKMAN simplifies the process of managing different Java versions, making it easy for developers to stay up-to-date with the latest releases. Updating to Java 21 using SDKMAN is a straightforward process that ensures you have access to the latest Java features and enhancements for your development needs.

Now that you have Java 21 installed, you're ready to take advantage of its new capabilities and build amazing Java applications.

Happy coding! 💻 😉