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Oracle JDK · Developer edition

The JDK,
without the folklore.

A practical guide to Oracle's Java Development Kit—what to install, which release to choose, and the tools already waiting inside it.

Find your release Read the JDK 26 docs
26Latest release
25Current LTS
6 moRelease cadence
first-build.sh

# verify the toolchain

$ java --version

java 26 2026-03-17

Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment

# compile & run

$ javac Hello.java

$ java Hello

Ready to build.

01 / The foundation

More than a runtime.

The JDK is the complete workshop: compiler, runtime, standard libraries, diagnostics, packaging, documentation tools, and the utilities that turn source code into software you can operate.

JDK

Compiler + tools + runtime

JRE

Runtime only

02 / Choose your release

Stable when you need it.
Current when you want it.

Oracle ships Java on a predictable six-month cadence. Pick an LTS release for a long-lived baseline, or the latest feature release to stay at the front.

26

Current feature release

The newest language, runtime, and tooling work. Best for evaluation and teams that follow the six-month cadence.

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25Recommended

Current LTS

The pragmatic default for new production systems that value a longer support horizon.

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21

Previous LTS

A mature baseline. Review licensing and upgrade plans before standardizing new deployments on it.

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Release status current as of August 2026. JDK 25 is an LTS release; JDK 26 is non-LTS.

03 / Inside the box

Six tools to know
before adding another dependency.

The JDK arrives batteries-included. These command-line tools cover the essential path from first compile to production diagnostics.

01

javac

Compile source into JVM bytecode.

02

jshell

Explore APIs in a fast interactive REPL.

03

jlink

Assemble a lean, custom Java runtime.

04

jpackage

Create native application installers.

05

jfr

Profile production workloads with low overhead.

06

jdeps

Map dependencies before you modularize.

04 / First run

Install. Verify.
Start building.

Oracle provides installers and archives for Windows, macOS, and Linux. After installation, confirm that both the runtime and compiler are on your path.

Open the installation guide
TerminalAny platform
# Confirm the runtime
$ java --version

# Confirm the compiler
$ javac --version

# List active JVM processes
$ jcmd -l

05 / Licensing, plainly

Free can still have terms.

Oracle JDK 25 is available to all users under the Oracle No-Fee Terms and Conditions through its planned permissive period. Oracle JDK 21 updates are planned to move from NFTC to the OTN license after September 2026.

Development use is broadly permitted, but production rights depend on the release, update level, and license you received. For organizational deployments, verify the exact terms before standardizing.

Licensing FAQ Support roadmap
This guide is informational and is not legal advice. The applicable license text controls.

Your next build starts here

Choose the JDK.
Ship the idea.

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