How to Uninstall Java JDK on Ubuntu

How to Uninstall Java JDK on Ubuntu

Java Development Kit (JDK) is a software development environment used for developing Java applications and applets. It includes the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), an interpreter/loader (Java), a compiler (javac), an archiver (jar), a documentation generator (javadoc), and other tools needed in Java development.

However, there might be scenarios where you need to uninstall the JDK, such as when upgrading to a newer version or addressing compatibility issues.

This guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling Java JDK on an Ubuntu system.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Check the Installed JDK Version

Before uninstalling, it’s essential to know which version of the JDK you have installed. Use the following command:

java -version

This command will display the version of Java installed on your system.

Step 2: List All Installed JDK Packages

To see all the Java packages installed on your system, use the following command:

dpkg --list | grep -i jdk

This command will show a list of all packages related to the JDK.

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Step 3: Uninstall the JDK

To uninstall the JDK, use the apt-get command followed by the package name:

sudo apt-get purge oracle-java<version>-installer

Replace <version> with the version number you want to uninstall.

Step 4: Remove Additional JDK Directories

After uninstalling the JDK package, some directories might remain. To remove them, use the following commands:

sudo rm -rf /usr/lib/jvm/java-<version>-oracle

Again, replace <version> with the appropriate version number.

Step 5: Update the System

After uninstalling the JDK, it’s a good practice to update the system repositories:

sudo apt-get update

Commands Mentioned

  • java -version – Displays the installed Java version.
  • dpkg –list | grep -i jdk – Lists all installed JDK packages.
  • sudo apt-get purge oracle-java<version>-installer – Uninstalls the specified JDK version.
  • sudo rm -rf /usr/lib/jvm/java-<version>-oracle – Removes additional JDK directories.
  • sudo apt-get update – Updates system repositories.
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FAQ

  1. Why might I need to uninstall the JDK?

    You might need to uninstall the JDK to upgrade to a newer version, address compatibility issues, or free up system resources.

  2. Is it safe to remove the JDK?

    Yes, it’s safe to remove the JDK as long as you don’t have applications or services relying on that specific JDK version.

  3. What’s the difference between JDK and JRE?

    The JDK (Java Development Kit) is a software development environment for creating Java applications, while the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) is used to run Java applications.

  4. Can I have multiple JDK versions installed?

    Yes, you can have multiple JDK versions installed on the same system. However, you should set one as the default to avoid conflicts.

  5. How do I set a default JDK version on Ubuntu?

    You can set a default JDK version on Ubuntu using the ‘update-alternatives’ command, which allows you to configure the default version among multiple installations.

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Conclusion

Uninstalling the Java Development Kit (JDK) on Ubuntu is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that the JDK is removed cleanly from your system.

Whether you’re upgrading to a newer version or addressing compatibility issues, understanding how to manage the JDK is crucial for system administrators and developers.

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