How can I select a certain version of Java?

Question

I can't install Java 7. I selected it as advised, but nothing changes when I type java -version.

when I type sudo update-alternatives --config java I get:

There are 2 choices for the alternative java (providing /usr/bin/java).

  Selection    Path                Priority   Status
------------------------------------------------------------
  0            /usr/lib/jvm/java-8-oracle/jre/bin/java 1075        auto mode
  1            /usr/lib/jvm/java-7-oracle/jre/bin/java 1074        manual mode

when I type 1 and then enter and then run java -version I find that my choice has not been effective.

score 6 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:39

Use this command:

$ sudo update-alternatives --config java

You'll get a result similar to:

There are 3 choices for the alternative java (providing /usr/bin/java).

  Selection    Path                                            Priority   Status
------------------------------------------------------------
* 0            /usr/lib/jvm/java-8-oracle/jre/bin/java          1093      auto mode
  1            /usr/lib/jvm/java-8-openjdk-amd64/jre/bin/java   1081      manual mode
  2            /usr/lib/jvm/java-8-oracle/jre/bin/java          1093      manual mode
  3            /usr/lib/jvm/java-9-openjdk-amd64/bin/java       1091      manual mode

Answer the prompt for the version you wish to run.

You can remove the versions that don't work then ensure a good install of the one you want to use:

Look at: Problem changing Java version using alternatives

ALL

After you have removed the problem versions, you can install the version you want to run with:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/java
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo install oracle-jdk7-installer

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 01 '16 at 01:03

To switch between installed JDKs

List Java alternatives:
```
update-java-alternatives -l
```
Find the line with the Java you want.
Remember the first part of the line. For example, Oracle Java 8's line might look like this on your system:
```
java-8-oracle                  1082       /usr/lib/jvm/java-8-oracle
```
The first part of the line there is java-8-oracle.
Set the first part of the line you want as the Java alternative (replace java-8-oracle with the Java you want):
```
sudo update-java-alternatives -s java-8-oracle
```

How can I select a certain version of Java?

2 Answers2

To switch between installed JDKs