Installing Java with SDKMAN! A Step-by-Step Learning Note

July 28, 2025 (4mo ago)

Jump to FAQs

As part of my journey to expand my programming language toolkit, I recently explored installing the latest Java version on my development machine using SDKMAN!. This post serves as a detailed learning note—both for my own review and to help fellow developers, especially junior colleagues, streamline their Java setup process.

To deepen my understanding of Java’s latest features, I’m also following the course Java 21 - Exploring the Latest Innovations for 2024 by Paulo Dichone. This course covers Java 21’s enhancements, including hands-on exercises and practical applications, which makes it a perfect companion to setting up a modern Java environment.

Why SDKMAN!?

SDKMAN! is a powerful tool for managing parallel versions of multiple Software Development Kits (SDKs) on most Unix-based systems. It’s especially popular for Java, Scala, Groovy, Kotlin, and many more. With SDKMAN!, switching between different versions becomes effortless, making it ideal for both development and testing environments.

Step 1: Installing SDKMAN!

First, I installed SDKMAN! using a simple curl command. This fetches and runs the installation script:

curl -s "https://get.sdkman.io" | bash

After running this command, I followed the on-screen instructions to add SDKMAN! to my shell profile and reloaded the terminal session using source ~/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh.

Step 2: Listing Available Java Versions

To see the available Java SDKs, I ran:

sdk list java

This command displays a comprehensive list of Java distributions and versions, including OpenJDK, Oracle, Amazon Corretto, and more. The list includes information such as version numbers and vendors, helping you choose the right build for your needs.

Step 3: Installing a Specific Java Version

I decided to install Amazon Corretto’s latest release, version 24.0.2. The installation command is straightforward:

sdk install java 24.0.2-amzn

The output walks you through the download and installation process:

Downloading: java 24.0.2-amzn

In progress...

################################################################### 100.0%

Repackaging Java 24.0.2-amzn...

Done repackaging...
Cleaning up residual files...

Installing: java 24.0.2-amzn
Done installing!

Setting java 24.0.2-amzn as default.

SDKMAN! automatically sets this newly installed version as the default, so any new shell session will use it.

Step 4: Verifying the Installation

To confirm Java is installed and set up correctly, I checked the version and path:

java --version

Output:

openjdk 24.0.2 2025-07-15
OpenJDK Runtime Environment Corretto-24.0.2.12.1 (build 24.0.2+12-FR)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM Corretto-24.0.2.12.1 (build 24.0.2+12-FR, mixed mode, sharing)

To ensure the correct binary is being used, I ran:

which java

Output:

/Users/rama/.sdkman/candidates/java/current/bin/java

This confirms that Java is managed by SDKMAN! and points to the correct path.

Summary

With these steps, I successfully installed and configured Java 24.0.2 (Amazon Corretto) using SDKMAN!. This approach is simple, repeatable, and ideal for managing multiple SDKs across projects. If you’re interested in learning more about Java 21’s newest features and enhancements, I highly recommend the course Java 21 - Exploring the Latest Innovations for 2024 as a next step.

If you have questions or want to share your own setup experiences, feel free to reach out!

Discuss this post:
Discuss on Hacker NewsDiscuss on RedditDiscuss on LinkedInDiscuss on X

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SDKMAN! and why should I use it instead of downloading Java directly?

SDKMAN! is a Software Development Kit Manager that allows you to install, manage, and switch between multiple versions of Java and other SDKs on Unix-based systems. It's better than direct downloads because it handles version management automatically, allows easy switching between versions, and keeps your system organized without conflicts.

Can I have multiple Java versions installed with SDKMAN!?

Yes! SDKMAN! is designed specifically for managing multiple SDK versions. You can install as many Java versions as you need and switch between them using commands like 'sdk use java [version]' for temporary switching or 'sdk default java [version]' to change the default.

Which Java distribution should I choose from the SDKMAN! list?

Popular choices include OpenJDK (open-source standard), Amazon Corretto (production-ready with long-term support), Oracle JDK (commercial with enterprise features), and Eclipse Temurin (AdoptOpenJDK successor). For most development purposes, Amazon Corretto or Eclipse Temurin are excellent free options.

How do I switch between different Java versions after installation?

Use 'sdk use java [version]' for temporary switching in the current shell session, or 'sdk default java [version]' to permanently change the default version. You can also list installed versions with 'sdk list java' and see which one is currently active.

Will SDKMAN! work on Windows?

SDKMAN! is designed for Unix-based systems (Linux, macOS, WSL). For Windows, you can use it through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) or consider alternatives like Chocolatey or manually managing Java installations.

LinkedIn
X
youtube