Choosing the Right Open Source Java Compiler: A Guide

The world of programming can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right tools for the job. One essential tool that every Java developer needs is a Java Development Kit (JDK), which supplies the compiler for your Java programs. In this article, we will explore why you need a JDK and how to choose the right one.

Why Do You Need a JDK?

A JDK is the development environment used for compiling and executing Java applications. Without it, you won't be able to code in Java at all. The JDK supplies the compiler that translates your Java code into machine code that can run on any device. Every Java program needs a JDK installed to work correctly.

What Version of the JDK Should You Install?

The version of the JDK you install determines what Java version you are able to code in. For example, if you want to use the newer functional programming features found in Java 8, then you need to install at least the Java 8 JDK.

Since the release of version 1.8 of the Language Support for Java by Red Hat extension (June 30th, 2022), you need to install at least JDK 17 to be compatible. Every three years, the September release will be a Long-Term-Support (LTS) release, which gets updates for at least three years. For local development, you can install whatever version you want! However, nowadays Java 8 is usually the absolute minimum version used and it is advisable to install nothing less than that.

Businesses tend to stick with the latest LTS version for security reasons. Additionally, there are quarterly bug fix updates. A new major version number is released every six months, in March and September. Java versions are released more frequently now than in the past.

Choosing the Right Open Source Java Compiler

So, which open source Java compiler should you choose? I recommend that you go with at least JDK version 17 by Adoptium Eclipse Temurin. This is because it provides the latest features and updates, ensuring that your code runs smoothly and securely.

Setting Up VS Code for Java Development

To use Java within Visual Studio Code (VS Code), you need to install a Java Development Kit (JDK) on your computer. You can check if you have a JDK installed by running the command `java -version` on the command-line. If you don't know what a JDK is, don't worry! We will get to it.

To setup VS Code for Java development, you need to install some extensions to provide core language features such as compilation and execution of Java programs, debugging, syntax highlighting, formatting, and code completion. The VS Code docs has a Java guide that covers things quite well. It should be quick and easy to get up and running, but is it?

In conclusion, choosing the right open source Java compiler can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. By following this guide, you will understand what JDKs are and how to choose the right one for your needs. Remember, a JDK determines what Java version you are able to code in, so make sure you install the latest version for optimal performance and security.

Open source java compiler