Java is one of the most popular programming languages worldwide. Choosing the right distribution is critical for your projects. Java SE (Standard Edition) has several distributions, each with distinct features, pricing, and installation methods. This article reviews five top Java distributions, comparing their features, setup steps, and overall value to help you choose the best one.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key features, costs, and suitability of the top Java distributions.
| Java Distribution | Key Features | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle JDK | High performance, security, proprietary tools (e.g., Flight Recorder, Mission Control) | Free for personal use; $25/month/processor or $2.50/month/user for commercial use | Enterprise-level projects needing commercial features and official support |
| OpenJDK | Open-source, community-driven, feature parity with Oracle JDK | Free for all uses | Developers seeking a free, open-source solution |
| Amazon Corretto | Long-term support, performance and security updates, AWS integration | Free for all uses | Cost-effective choice for AWS users and businesses |
| Eclipse Adoptium | JVM options (HotSpot, OpenJ9), long-term support | Free for all uses | Cloud deployments needing flexible JVM options |
| Azul Zulu | Broad Java version support, optional commercial services | Free for all uses; enterprise support at additional cost | Developers needing multiple Java versions and optional enterprise support |
This table can easily be included in your article to provide a quick reference for readers. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
Table of Contents
1. Oracle JDK
Oracle JDK is the official Java Development Kit backed by Oracle, long trusted by many developers.
Features
Oracle JDK offers strong performance, reliable security, and scalability. It includes tools like Flight Recorder and Mission Control for application profiling and monitoring.
Cost
It’s free for personal use, development, and testing. For commercial use, there’s a subscription fee. The cost is $25 per month per server processor or $2.50 per user for desktops.
Installation
- Go to the Oracle JDK download page.
- Agree to the license terms.
- Select the version for your operating system (Windows, Linux, macOS).
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
Oracle JDK works well for large-scale enterprise projects, especially if its advanced tools are useful. However, the commercial license cost can be a drawback for some users.
2. OpenJDK
OpenJDK (Open Java Development Kit) is a free, open-source alternative maintained by Oracle and the community.
Features
It includes most features found in Oracle JDK but lacks proprietary tools like Flight Recorder.
Cost
OpenJDK is completely free, including for commercial projects.
Installation
- Linux (Debian-based):
sudo apt-get install openjdk-11-jdk - Linux (Red Hat-based):
sudo yum install java-11-openjdk-devel - Windows: Download and unzip the file, then update your system’s PATH.
- macOS: Use Homebrew:
brew install openjdk@11.
OpenJDK is ideal for those seeking a free and open-source solution. It’s also a good option for developers contributing to Java’s growth.
3. Amazon Corretto
Amazon Corretto is a free, cross-platform, production-ready version of OpenJDK backed by Amazon.
Features
Corretto provides long-term support with regular updates, including performance improvements and security patches. Amazon uses Corretto internally for its own services, highlighting its reliability and stability.
Cost
It’s completely free, including for commercial applications.
Installation
- Visit the Amazon Corretto download page.
- Select the version for your operating system.
- Run the installer and follow the instructions.
Amazon Corretto is an excellent option for those seeking a free, stable Java distribution with reliable long-term support. It’s especially suited for AWS-heavy workflows.
4. Eclipse Adoptium (formerly AdoptOpenJDK)
Eclipse Adoptium provides prebuilt OpenJDK binaries, maintained by the community and supported by major tech companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Red Hat.
Features
Adoptium offers two JVM options:
- HotSpot: The standard JVM for most Java users.
- OpenJ9: Optimized for reduced memory use and faster startup, ideal for cloud environments.
It also includes long-term support (LTS) versions for production stability.
Cost
Adoptium is free for all uses, including commercial projects.
Installation
- Visit the Eclipse Adoptium download page.
- Choose your preferred JVM (HotSpot or OpenJ9) and Java version.
- Download the installer for your operating system.
- Run the installer and follow the setup steps.
Adoptium is a great choice if you want flexible JVM options, community-driven updates, and a trusted LTS roadmap.
5. Azul Zulu OpenJDK
Zulu, provided by Azul Systems, is a versatile OpenJDK distribution offering a wide range of Java versions.
Features
Zulu includes standard OpenJDK features, along with both LTS (long-term support) and MTS (medium-term support) options. For those needing more, Azul offers Zulu Enterprise, which provides premium support and frequent updates.
Cost
Zulu OpenJDK is free for all uses. The Zulu Enterprise version has variable pricing depending on the level of support required.
Installation
- Visit the Azul Zulu download page.
- Select the desired version and platform.
- Download the installer for your system.
- Follow the installation instructions.
Zulu is an excellent option for developers who need diverse Java version choices or the flexibility to upgrade to commercial support.
Final Thoughts: Which Java Distribution is Best?
The ideal Java distribution depends on your project’s goals, resources, and technical needs:
- For enterprise projects with commercial requirements, Oracle JDK is a strong contender.
- Open-source enthusiasts may prefer OpenJDK for its transparency and community support.
- Amazon Corretto offers excellent stability, cost-effectiveness, and AWS compatibility.
- Developers looking for JVM variety and strong LTS offerings will appreciate Adoptium.
- If you want broad version options with an upgrade path to commercial support, Zulu is worth considering.
For most users, Amazon Corretto provides the best balance of cost, features, and long-term support. Its reliability and free licensing make it a top pick, especially for AWS-dependent workflows. Evaluate your project needs carefully to choose the best fit.
Happy coding!
Resources
- Oracle JDK: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-jdk11-downloads.html
- OpenJDK: https://openjdk.java.net/
- Amazon Corretto: https://aws.amazon.com/corretto/
- AdoptOpenJDK: https://adoptopenjdk.net/
- Zulu OpenJDK: https://www.azul.com/downloads/zulu-community/