How to Tell Java Version
Java is a popular, open-source programming language developed by Oracle Corporation. With its vast ecosystem and extensive libraries, Java has become a widely used language in various industries, including Android app development, web development, and enterprise software development. However, one of the most critical aspects of using Java is determining the version of the language. In this article, we will guide you on how to tell Java version and provide you with the necessary information to identify the version of your Java environment.
Understanding Java Versions
Java versions are released by Oracle Corporation, and they are divided into several categories, including:
- Java 8: Released in 2014, Java 8 is the latest version of the Java Standard Edition (SE). It includes a range of new features, such as lambda expressions, method references, and functional programming.
- Java 11: Released in 2017, Java 11 is the latest version of the Java SE. It includes a range of new features, such as JDK 11 (Java Development Kit 11), JDK 11 (Java Runtime Environment 11), and JDK 11 (Java Mission Control 11).
- Java 12: Released in 2018, Java 12 is the latest version of the Java SE. It includes a range of new features, such as JDK 12 (Java Development Kit 12), JDK 12 (Java Runtime Environment 12), and JDK 12 (Java Mission Control 12).
- Java 17: Released in 2020, Java 17 is the latest version of the Java SE. It includes a range of new features, such as JDK 17 (Java Development Kit 17), JDK 17 (Java Runtime Environment 17), and JDK 17 (Java Mission Control 17).
Identifying Java Version
To identify the version of Java, you can follow these steps:
- Check the Java Version in the System Properties: You can check the Java version in the system properties by running the following command:
java -version - Check the Java Version in the Java Configuration File: You can check the Java version in the Java configuration file by running the following command:
java -version - Check the Java Version in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) File: You can check the Java version in the JRE file by running the following command:
java -version - Check the Java Version in the Java Mission Control (JMC) File: You can check the Java version in the JMC file by running the following command:
jmc -version
Table: Java Versions
| Java Version | Release Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Java 8 | 2014 | Latest version of the Java Standard Edition (SE) |
| Java 11 | 2017 | Latest version of the Java SE |
| Java 12 | 2018 | Latest version of the Java SE |
| Java 17 | 2020 | Latest version of the Java SE |
Significant Features of Java Versions
| Java Version | Significant Features |
|---|---|
| Java 8 | Lambda Expressions, Method References, Functional Programming |
| Java 11 | JDK 11, JDK 11 (Java Development Kit 11), JDK 11 (Java Runtime Environment 11), JDK 11 (Java Mission Control 11) |
| Java 12 | JDK 12, JDK 12 (Java Development Kit 12), JDK 12 (Java Runtime Environment 12), JDK 12 (Java Mission Control 12) |
| Java 17 | JDK 17, JDK 17 (Java Development Kit 17), JDK 17 (Java Runtime Environment 17), JDK 17 (Java Mission Control 17) |
Tips and Tricks
- Use the Java Version in the Java Configuration File: You can use the Java version in the Java configuration file to specify the Java version for your Java application.
- Use the Java Version in the Java Mission Control (JMC) File: You can use the Java version in the JMC file to specify the Java version for your Java application.
- Use the Java Version in the System Properties: You can use the Java version in the system properties to specify the Java version for your Java application.
Conclusion
Determining the version of Java is crucial for ensuring that your Java application is compatible with the latest Java versions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify the version of Java in your environment and take advantage of the significant features and improvements that each version brings. Remember to use the Java version in the Java configuration file, JMC file, and system properties to ensure that your Java application is running on the latest version of Java.