Powerful Java Development Tools by Oracle

Java SE Development Kit offers a comprehensive set of tools for Java developers.
Comprehensive Review of Java SE Development Kit (JDK)
The Java SE Development Kit (JDK), developed by Oracle Corporation, stands as a cornerstone for Java application development, testing, and deployment. It provides an extensive suite of tools and utilities that cater to the needs of modern Java developers, making it an indispensable component in the Java ecosystem.
Key Features of JDK
- Powerful Compiler Tools: The JDK includes the javac compiler, which transforms Java source code into bytecode compatible with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This process forms the backbone of Java application development.
- Advanced Debugging Utilities: Debuggers like jdb enable developers to efficiently identify and fix issues in their code. Features such as setting breakpoints, inspecting variables, and stepping through code facilitate a smooth debugging experience.
- Java Application Servers: The JDK supports deployment and testing through application servers such as Tomcat and Jetty. These servers are vital for developing web applications locally before moving to production environments.
- Java Runtime Environment (JRE): Included within the JDK, the JRE allows end-users to run Java applications seamlessly. Developers can also bundle their applications with the JRE for distribution purposes.
- Extensive API Documentation: The comprehensive documentation provides detailed information on Java classes, interfaces, methods, and packages—serving as an essential resource for developers seeking guidance on Java libraries.
- Performance Monitoring & Profiling Tools: Tools such as JVisualVM offer real-time monitoring and profiling capabilities. These features help optimize application performance and troubleshoot runtime issues effectively.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: JDK's support for cross-platform development ensures that Java applications created on one operating system can run flawlessly on others, enhancing portability and reducing platform dependency.
The Java SE Development Kit (JDK) continues to be a robust and versatile toolkit essential for Java developers aiming to build efficient, portable, and high-performing applications across diverse platforms.
Overview
Java SE Development Kit is a Shareware software in the category Games & Entertainment developed by Oracle.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked Java SE Development Kit for updates 11,938 times during the last month.
The latest version of Java SE Development Kit is 24.0.1.0, released on 04/16/2025. It was initially added to our database on 05/06/2012. The most prevalent version is 24.0.1.0, which is used by 7% of all installations.
Java SE Development Kit runs on the following operating systems: Android/Windows/Mac.
Users of Java SE Development Kit gave it a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Robust set of libraries and tools for Java development.
- Regular updates and security patches provided by Oracle.
- Extensive documentation and community support available.
- Cross-platform compatibility allows for development on different operating systems.
- Contains a wide range of tools for debugging, compiling, and deploying Java applications.
Cons
- Commercial use requires a license and may involve additional costs.
- Updates to the JDK can sometimes introduce compatibility issues with existing codebases.
- Some developers find Oracle's licensing and support policies confusing.
- Limited support for some newer programming features compared to other languages.
FAQ
What is Java SE Development Kit (JDK) by Oracle?
JDK is a software development environment used to develop Java applications and applets. It includes Java Runtime Environment (JRE), compilers and class libraries, among other tools.
What is the latest version of JDK?
As of August 2021, the latest version of JDK is JDK 16. JDK 17 is expected to be released in September 2021.
Is JDK free to use?
Yes, JDK is free to download, use and distribute as long as it is used for non-commercial purposes. However, commercial use of JDK requires a license from Oracle.
Which operating systems are supported by JDK?
JDK supports a range of operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris and others. The exact list of supported platforms depends on the specific version of JDK.
How do I install JDK?
To install JDK, you need to download the appropriate installer for your operating system from the official Oracle website and follow the installation wizard. The installer will guide you through the installation process.
What is the difference between JDK and JRE?
JDK includes JRE as well as additional development tools while JRE is an environment for running Java applications. JDK is necessary for developing Java applications while JRE is only required for running them.
How do I set up the PATH variable for JDK?
To set up the PATH variable for JDK on Windows, you need to add the path to the bin folder of the JDK installation directory to the system PATH environment variable. On Linux and macOS, you can set the PATH variable in the terminal by adding the following line to the shell configuration file: export PATH=/path/to/jdk/bin:$PATH
Is JDK backward compatible?
Generally, yes. Java is designed to be backward compatible, meaning that Java code written for older versions of JDK should run on newer versions without any modifications. However, there may be exceptions where some code needs to be updated to run on newer versions of JDK.
Can I use other IDEs with JDK besides Oracle's NetBeans and Eclipse?
Yes, there are many other IDEs that work with JDK such as IntelliJ IDEA, JDeveloper, and BlueJ among others.
Is JDK the same as OpenJDK?
No, OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java SE platform. It is licensed under the GPL and is not guaranteed to be 100% compatible with Oracle JDK. However, they are similar in functionality and compatibility.

David Fischer
I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.
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