Which version of Java runtime should I install?

General system Applications
1

I recently learned of an app called Sweet Home 3d and want to try it out.

However when I asked to install it, I’m told there are “9 providers for java-runtime.”

Which one should I pick (and to a lesser extent, why?)

  1. jdk-openjdk 2) jdk11-openjdk 3) jdk17-openjdk 4) jdk21-openjdk 5) jre-openjdk 6) jre11-openjdk
    7) jre17-openjdk 8) jre21-openjdk 9) jre8-openjdk
2

Go for #4 if you want the latest LTS. I guess #1 installs the latest?

3

JRE is the Runtime Environment, needed to run Java programs.

JDK is the Development Kit, needed to develop Java programs.

If not developing, the JRE is the leaner option. I would opt for 5) jre-openjdk, the current JRE release.

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4

The JRE went away with Java 11 if I recall correctly. I remember reading something about it a long time ago.

Edit: But now I see JREs in the listed output

5

@MyNameIsRichard:

6

It would seem as you’ve noted, there was a change with release 11 with how the JRE was distributed.

If I understand, it took on a modular approach. They have a common base, however:

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7

Start with the default it shows.

8

A quick search seems to indicate that yes, the runtime portion isn’t separate anymore. Installing the development kit installs the runtime too, with Oracle wanting to use some tool to provide end-users with a runtime tailored to your app. However, OpenJDK provides both still.

To answer OP, does your app require a specific Java runtime version? If so, install that. If not, any should works.

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