Download Java for Mac from Oracle: A Comprehensive Guide

As a developer, you may have come across the terms OpenJDK and OracleJDK while searching for a reliable and efficient way to download Java for your Mac. Both OpenJDK and OracleJDK are popular choices among developers, but they differ in their licensing models and features.

In this article, we will explore the differences between OpenJDK and OracleJDK, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to download Java for Mac from Oracle.

What is OpenJDK?

OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform Standard Edition (Java SE), developed by Oracle and other organizations such as Red Hat, Azul Systems, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, SAP, and many others. This means that OpenJDK is completely free to use for personal and development purposes, with no restrictions on its commercial usage.

What's the difference between OpenJDK and OracleJDK?

The main difference between OpenJDK and OracleJDK lies in their licensing models. OracleJDK is a proprietary implementation of Java SE, which was previously free for both personal and commercial use but is now only free for personal and development purposes. On the other hand, OpenJDK is completely open-source and free to use for any purpose.

Popular OpenJDK builds include Azul Zulu, Red Hat OpenJDK (IcedTea), Amazon Corretto, Eclipse Adoptium's Temurin, SapMachine, Microsoft OpenJDK, and more. However, it's worth noting that OpenJDK does not include web-browser plugins and Web Start.

What is included in OpenJDK?

OpenJDK includes the virtual machine (HotSpot), the Java Class Library, and the Java Compiler. This means that you can use OpenJDK to write and run Java programs on your Mac.

How to download Java for Mac from Oracle?

To download Java for Mac from Oracle, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Oracle website and navigate to the Java SE downloads page.

2. Select the version of Java SE that suits your needs (e.g., Java 8, Java 11, etc.).

3. Click on the 'Download' button next to the desired version.

4. Choose the platform as 'Macintosh' and select the appropriate installer package (e.g., .dmg file).

5. Run the installer package and follow the prompts to install Java SE.

In conclusion, OpenJDK is a free and open-source implementation of Java SE, while OracleJDK is a proprietary implementation with restricted commercial usage. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific needs as a developer. By following the steps outlined above, you can download Java for Mac from Oracle and start developing your next project using the Java programming language.

Download java for mac from oracle