How to Install Java 1.8 using Homebrew

The source code of the Java Platform, Standard Edition 11 Reference Implementations binaries is available under the GPLv2 in a single zip file. If you're looking to install Java 1.8 on your Mac, one way to do so is by using Homebrew. In this article, we'll walk you through the process.

First, make sure that you have Homebrew installed on your Mac. If not, you can download an installation script and execute it to get started. Once you have Homebrew set up, run `brew update` in your terminal to pull in the latest formulae.

To install Java 1.8 using Homebrew, simply type `brew install java@1.8`. This will download and install the JDK (Java Development Kit) for you. The package installer will put the JDK into `/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/`.

If you're using a newer version of macOS, such as Catalina or Big Sur, you may not have Java 1.8 installed by default. In this case, you can install an earlier version of Java using Homebrew.

To do so, first open a new terminal and verify that the `JAVA_HOME` environment variable is set correctly. You can check this by typing `echo $JAVA_HOME`. If it's not set, you can add the following line to your `~/.zshenv` file: `export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home)`.

Once you have Java installed, you can confirm that it's working properly by opening a new terminal and typing `java -version`. This should show you the version of Java that you just installed, such as `openjdk 19.0.1`.

For those who are already using Homebrew, the easiest way to get the JDK on your Mac might be to use the `brew install -cask temurin` command. This will download and install OpenJDK 19, which is one of the best places to find prebuilt OpenJDK binaries.

All available versions for supported platforms can be found on the Adoptium website. As I'm writing this, Java 19.0.1 is the latest version, and it's a great place to start if you're new to Java development.

In conclusion, installing Java 1.8 using Homebrew is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following these instructions, you should be able to get up and running with Java on your Mac in no time.

Brew install java 1.8