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Java is a programming language and software platform. Examples of applications that use Java are numerous and widespread but include web browsers, office applications, and even games like Minecraft are based on Java.
If you need to run Java applications, downloading and installing the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) is enough. If you’re developing Java applications, you’ll want to download the JDK, which also includes the JRE.
For full information and terms, refer to the OTN License Agreement for Java SE. The OTN License Agreement for Java SE for current Oracle Java SE releases allows them to be used, without cost:
- (i) For personal use on a desktop or laptop computer, such as to play games or run other personal applications.
- (ii) For development, testing, prototyping, and demonstrating applications, including to use by/with profilers, debuggers, and Integrated Development Environment tools.
- (iii) For use with some approved products, such as Oracle SQL Developer, or as an end user of a software application created by an approved product. (referred to as “Schedule A” and “Schedule B” Products in the OTN License Agreement for Java SE)
- (iv) With identified Oracle Cloud Infrastructure products.
The latest version of Java is Java 24 or JDK 24 released on March 2025. However, many versions of Java are actively maintained for compatibility purposes. Java 8, Java 11, Java 17 and Java 21 are the four long-term support versions recommended by Oracle alongside the latest release. You can download the version you need below:
Java 8 is the last free software public update for commercial use, which explains why it remains popular even though it was released back in 2014. Oracle plans to maintain it until at least 2030. Also, you should know that some applications might refer to Java 8 as version 1.8.0.
What is Java JDK?
The Java Development Kit (JDK) is the full-featured software development kit for Java developers. It has everything the JRE has, but adds the compiler (javac) and tools (like javadoc and jdb). The JDK allows you to create and compile Java programs.
Is Java free to use?
Yes, Java is free to use under the jdk.java.net license. This means anyone can download it for personal or development use at no cost. Oracle does charge for long term support, but this is optional.
What’s New
JDK 24 delivers twenty-four enhancements that are significant enough to warrant their own JDK Enhancement Proposals – JEPs, including eight preview features and one incubator feature. They cover improvements to the Java Language, APIs, performance, and the tools included in the JDK.
Language Enhancements:
- Primitive Types in Patterns: Expanded pattern matching to include primitive types in instanceof and switch.
- Flexible Constructor Bodies: Improved constructor reliability with distinct prologue and epilogue phases.
- Module Import Declarations: Simplified importing of module packages.
- Simple Source Files & Instance Main Methods: Streamlined entry for beginners and concise small programs.
Library Improvements:
- Stream Gatherers: Enhanced Stream API with custom intermediate operations.
- Class-File API: Standardized API for class file manipulation.
- Scoped Values: Improved thread-safe data sharing.
- Vector API: Accelerated vector computations on supported CPUs.
- Structured Concurrency: Simplified multithreaded programming.
Security Advancements:
- Key Derivation Function API: Enhanced cryptographic security.
- Quantum-Resistant Key Encapsulation (ML-KEM): Post-quantum cryptography readiness.
- Quantum-Resistant Digital Signatures (ML-DSA): Post-quantum cryptography readiness.
Performance & Runtime:
- Compact Object Headers: Reduced object header size for better memory usage.
- Late Barrier Extension for G1: Optimized G1 garbage collector.
- Ahead-of-Time Class Loading & Linking: Faster application startup.
- ZGC: Remove Non-Generational Mode: Simplified ZGC maintenance.
- Synchronize Virtual Threads without Pinning: Improved virtual thread scalability.
Tooling:
- Linking Run-Time Images without JMODs: Reduced JDK size and increased linking flexibility.
Complete release notes can be found here.
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