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The installation of Java on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (RHEL 8) is a crucial step for those working with Java applications on this platform. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step walkthrough of the Java installation process on Red Hat 8, focusing on Java 1.8 and Java 11.

 By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how to establish Java in your Red Hat environment.

How to Install Red Hat Java?

Let’s explore the step-by-step process of installing Java on Red Hat 8, covering both Java 1.8 and Java 11 installations.

Step 1: Checking for Existing Java

Before initiating the installation process, it’s essential to determine whether Java is already present on your Red Hat system. You can do this by executing the following command:

java -version

If Java isn’t installed, you will receive an error message.

Step 2: Keeping Your System Updated

Maintaining an up-to-date system is crucial for resolving potential conflicts during installation. Ensure that your system is current by running:

sudo yum update

Java 1.8 is a widely-used version and may be necessary for specific applications. Follow these steps to install Java 1.8 on Red Hat 8:

Step 3: Adding the Red Hat Repository (Optional)

To facilitate the installation of Java 1.8, you can enable the Red Hat repository with the following command:

sudo subscription-manager repos --enable rhel-7-server-optional-rpms

Step 4: Installing Java 1.8

Execute the following command to install Java 1.8:

sudo yum install java-1.8.0-openjdk

Step 5: Verifying Java 1.8 Installation

To confirm the successful installation of Java 1.8, check the Java version:

java -version

You should observe the installed Java 1.8 version.

Find more how to install Java in Red Hat in this video

Additional Insights and Best Practices

Before we conclude, let’s delve into additional insights and best practices for managing Java on Red Hat 8.

Managing Multiple Java Versions

In certain scenarios, you may need to manage multiple Java versions on your Red Hat system. You can use the alternatives command to designate the default Java version. To view the available Java alternatives, run the following command:

sudo alternatives --config java

Select the desired default Java version by entering the corresponding number.

Environment Variables

Effectively managing environment variables is crucial for configuring Java on Red Hat. You can establish JAVA_HOME and PATH variables to ensure your applications utilize the preferred Java version. 

Here’s how:

Edit the ~/.bashrc file:

nano ~/.bashrc

Add the following lines (remember to replace “/usr/lib/jvm/java-11” with your Java installation path):

export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-11
export PATH=$PATH:$JAVA_HOME/bin

Save the file and activate the changes:

source ~/.bashrc

Conclusion

By following these instructions and adopting best practices, you are now well-prepared to seamlessly install and manage Java in your Red Hat 8 environment. Whether you require Java for running applications or developing software, this knowledge empowers you to leverage Java’s capabilities effectively, enhancing the performance and utility of your Red Hat system.