

Let’s get into some more details to help with your decision. Although since Java 9 another option is to create your own minimal JRE from the JDK using JLink.Ĭlearly, knowing which JDK to choose is important, but unfortunately there’s no simple answer.

You may also need to install the same JDK in testing and production environments to run your Java software.

Here’s how that looks in IntelliJ IDEA: Download JDK dialog in IntelliJ IDEA For example, your IDE needs to be configured with a specific JDK so it can compile code. You’ll 100% need the JDK for developing Java applications. The JDK, the Java Development Kit, is a software package comprising the tools needed for developing and running Java programs.
