If you’re a Mac user and want to set up a Java development environment on your machine, one of the first things you’ll need to do is install OpenJDK on Mac. Having the right JDK version installed is important, and the installation process can be smooth if you know the right approach.
The good news? There’s more than one way to install it. Depending on your needs, some are faster, cleaner, or more flexible than others. In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to install OpenJDK on Mac, from the beginner-friendly approach using Homebrew to more advanced setups with SDKMAN and manual installations.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only have OpenJDK installed, but you’ll also understand which method works best for your workflow.
What is OpenJDK?
Before getting into the install methods, let’s quickly clarify what OpenJDK is. OpenJDK is the open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition. It’s the core of many Java distributions, including Oracle JDK, Amazon Corretto, and others.
Why choose OpenJDK? Because it’s free, open-source, and works great across platforms including macOS.
Installing OpenJDK on Mac
Method 1: Install OpenJDK on Mac Using Homebrew (Easiest Way)
This is probably the most straightforward way to install OpenJDK on Mac. Here’s how:
1. First, install Homebrew if you haven’t already. Open Terminal and run:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"2. After installing Homebrew, run:
brew install openjdk3. Once the installation completes, you may need to link it:
sudo ln -sfn /opt/homebrew/opt/openjdk/libexec/openjdk.jdk /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/openjdk.jdk4. Finally, add OpenJDK to your path:
echo 'export PATH="/opt/homebrew/opt/openjdk/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zprofile
source ~/.zprofileWhy choose this method?
- Fast and automated.
- Keeps OpenJDK updated via Homebrew.
- Great for development environments where version management is simple.
Method 2: Install OpenJDK on Mac Using SDKMAN (For Version Control)
If you’re juggling multiple Java versions, SDKMAN! is your best friend.
1. Install SDKMAN:
curl -s "https://get.sdkman.io" | bash
source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"2. Install a specific OpenJDK version:
sdk install java 17-openReplace 17-open with your preferred version, like 21-tem for Temurin.
3. Set default version (optional):
sdk default java 17-openWhy choose this method?
- Perfect for managing multiple Java versions.
- Easy to switch between versions per project.
- Lightweight and popular among Java devs.
Method 3: Manual Installation from OpenJDK or Other Distributors
If you prefer the manual route or want a specific build (like from Adoptium or Azul Zulu), you can download and install OpenJDK yourself.
1. Visit a trusted distributor:
2. Download the .pkg or .tar.gz for macOS.
3. If it’s a .pkg, just open it and follow the installer.
4. If it’s a .tar.gz, extract it and move it to your Java Virtual Machines directory:
sudo mkdir -p /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines
sudo mv jdk-XX.jdk /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/5. Update your JAVA_HOME:
export JAVA_HOME=/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-XX.jdk/Contents/HomeAdd the line to your shell config file (.zshrc or .bash_profile).
Why choose this method?
- Full control over where Java is installed.
- Useful in enterprise environments.
- Great for installing custom or legacy builds.
Verifying the Installation
After using any of the methods above, you can verify your Java setup by running:
java –versionYou should see output indicating the version and build of OpenJDK that’s active.
Conclusion
That wraps our complete guide to the different ways you can install OpenJDK on Mac. Each method has its strengths, so the best choice really depends on how you like to work.
Getting your Java environment set up doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can go from zero to coding in just a few minutes. So pick the method that fits your workflow, and get back to building the awesome Java projects you’ve been planning. Remember to keep your Java environment updated and properly configured for the best development experience.
Did you successfully install OpenJDK on your Mac? Share your experience in the comments below. If you have Windows system and needs Java, you can check our post about installing OpenJDK on Windows.
