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Asked: 2024-09-25T02:55:46+05:30 In:

How can I upgrade the Java compiler from version 11 to version 17 on Ubuntu 20.04?

I’ve been stuck trying to upgrade my Java compiler on Ubuntu 20.04, and I’m hoping someone can help me out. Right now, I’m using Java 11, but I really want to move up to Java 17 because I heard it has some cool new features that could make my life a lot easier for my projects. The thing is, I’m not super experienced with Ubuntu and just figuring out how to do this without breaking anything has been a bit daunting.

I tried following some tutorials I found online, but honestly, they were either way too complicated or didn’t work as I expected. I’ve been using `sudo apt install openjdk-11-jdk`, and that worked fine for Java 11. But now that I want to upgrade, I’m worried I might mess up the existing setup if I try to do it wrong.

I stumbled upon some terminal commands involving `ppa:openjdk-r/ppa`, but when I tried adding that PPA, I wasn’t even sure if I did it right. Do I really need to add a PPA for this, or can I just download the newer version directly somehow? I’ve also heard something about needing to update the alternatives or something like that? If I do all these steps, will I still be able to run my old projects without any issues?

Also, are there specific commands I should use to clean everything up afterward? Like, what if I want to remove Java 11 later? Just the thought of messing around with my system is giving me anxiety. If anyone out there has gone through this upgrade process and can share a simple step-by-step or some tips, that would be amazing! I really just want to get this done without too much hassle so I can start exploring the new features of Java 17. Thank you so much in advance for any help!

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    2 Answers

    1. Upgrading your Java compiler on Ubuntu 20.04 from Java 11 to Java 17 is a straightforward process, and it’s great that you want to leverage the new features. The most efficient way to install Java 17 is by using the OpenJDK packages available through the repository. First, you do not necessarily need to add a PPA, as Java 17 is included in the universe repository of Ubuntu 20.04. You can install it directly using the command: sudo apt update && sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk. This will manage the installation without interfering with your existing Java 11 setup. Once the installation is complete, you will need to configure the Java alternatives to ensure your system uses Java 17. You can do this with sudo update-alternatives --config java, where you can select the version you want to use as default.

      Regarding running your old projects, Java 17 maintains backward compatibility, so most projects that work with Java 11 should run without issues. To clean up afterward or if you wish to remove Java 11, you can use the command sudo apt remove openjdk-11-jdk. Always ensure you back up your work and check your projects on the new version to avoid any unexpected problems. If along the way you encounter any errors or issues, you can always revert to Java 11 as long as it’s installed. Happy coding with Java 17!



    2. Upgrading Java on Ubuntu 20.04

      Upgrading to Java 17 on Ubuntu 20.04

      Upgrading your Java compiler on Ubuntu can definitely feel a bit overwhelming at first, but I’ll break it down into simple steps for you. Here’s the easiest way to upgrade from Java 11 to Java 17:

      Step 1: Remove the Old Java Version

      Your current Java version can be removed safely, but don’t worry! You can always reinstall it later if needed. Run this command to remove Java 11:

      sudo apt remove openjdk-11-jdk

      Step 2: Add the PPA

      The PPA (Personal Package Archive) is often a good way to get the latest versions of software. So let’s add the PPA for OpenJDK:

      sudo add-apt-repository ppa:openjdk-r/ppa

      Press Enter when prompted. This action tells your system to fetch packages from this PPA.

      Step 3: Install Java 17

      Now, let’s update your package list and install OpenJDK 17:

      
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk

      Step 4: Update Alternatives

      You might want to update the alternatives to point to Java 17:

      sudo update-alternatives --config java

      This command lets you choose which version of Java to use. Just follow the prompts to select Java 17.

      Step 5: Verify the Installation

      To make sure everything is working, check your Java version:

      java -version

      You should see the output indicating that Java 17 is installed.

      Step 6: Remove Old Versions (Optional)

      If you feel confident now and want to remove Java 11, you can do so with the earlier command:

      sudo apt remove openjdk-11-jdk

      Final Tip

      Your existing projects should run fine with Java 17, but make sure to check any dependencies or libraries you use to ensure compatibility. If you encounter any issues, you can always reinstall Java 11.

      That’s it! You should now have Java 17 installed and ready to go. Happy coding!


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