Install JDK 8 — How to Download & Install Java JDK 8 in Windows

Introduction to JDK 8

Java Development Kit (JDK) is a set of software tools that allows developers to create and run Java applications. JDK 8, or Java Development Kit 8, is a version of the JDK released by Oracle. It includes the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), necessary for running Java applications, as well as development tools like compilers and debuggers.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Follow these steps to download and install JDK 8 on a Windows operating system:

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Before you begin the installation process, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

• Operating System: Windows (7, 8, 10, or higher)
• Disk Space: At least 400 MB free space for installation

Step 2: Download JDK 8

1. Visit the Oracle website to download JDK 8. Go to the Oracle JDK download page at: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/javase-jdk8-downloads.html

2. Accept the license agreement and choose the appropriate Windows version (x64 or x86) based on your system architecture.

3. Click on the download link to save the JDK 8 installer (e.g., jdk-8uXXX-windows-x64.exe) to your computer.

Step 3: Run the Installer

1. Locate the downloaded JDK 8 installer and double-click on it to start the installation.

2. The installer will prompt you to choose the installation directory. By default, it is set to "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_XXX" (XXX refers to the update version). You can change the installation location if needed.

3. Click "Next" to proceed with the installation.

Step 4: Complete the Installation

1. After selecting the installation directory, the installer will begin installing JDK 8 on your system.

2. Once the installation is complete, you will see a "Setup Complete" message.

Step 5: Set JAVA_HOME Environment Variable

To use JDK 8 and its tools from the command prompt or other development environments, you need to set the JAVA_HOME environment variable.

1. Right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and select "Properties."

2. Click on "Advanced system settings" on the left panel.

3. In the "System Properties" window, click the "Environment Variables" button.

4. Under "System Variables," click "New."

5. Enter "JAVA_HOME" as the variable name.

6. Set the variable value to the JDK installation path. For example, "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_XXX" (replace XXX with the update version).

7. Click "OK" to save the environment variable.

Step 6: Verify JDK Installation

To ensure that JDK 8 is installed correctly, open the Command Prompt and execute the following command:

bash
java -version

You should see the JDK version information displayed, confirming a successful installation.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed JDK 8 on your Windows system. You can now start developing Java applications using the tools provided in the JDK. Remember to set up your development environment properly to make the most out of Java programming. Happy coding!