Installing OpenJDK 8 on macOS

Installing OpenJDK 8 on macOS | Generated by AI

Home 2025.09

Here’s how you can install OpenJDK 8 (Java SE 8) on macOS in 2025, with methods covering Homebrew, SDKMAN, manual installers, and MacPorts. No tables—just clear, easy flows:

1. Using Homebrew (`openjdk@8`)

This remains one of the simplest ways to install OpenJDK 8 on macOS.

Steps:

Open Terminal.
Run:
```
brew install openjdk@8
```
(Homebrew Formulae)

After installation, link the JDK so that macOS tools can detect it:

sudo ln -sfn $(brew --prefix)/opt/openjdk@8/libexec/openjdk.jdk /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/openjdk-8.jdk

(Homebrew Formulae)

Optionally, add OpenJDK 8 to your PATH in your shell config (e.g., .zshrc):
```
export PATH="$(brew --prefix openjdk@8)/bin:$PATH"
```

Note for Apple Silicon (M-series) users: If you face architecture issues, you might need to run Homebrew under Rosetta 2:

env /usr/bin/arch -x86_64 /bin/zsh --login
brew install openjdk@8

Then proceed with the symlink and PATH setup (Stack Overflow).

2. Via SDKMAN (Java version manager)

SDKMAN is a flexible tool for installing and switching between multiple Java versions.

Quick install:

curl -s "https://get.sdkman.io" | bash
source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"
sdk list java
sdk install java 8.xxx-tem

Replace 8.xxx-tem with the identifier shown in sdk list java. (Stack Overflow)

3. Manual Installation (Oracle / Adoptium / AdoptOpenJDK)

Option A: Oracle’s .dmg / .pkg installer

Download the correct installer for your architecture from Oracle’s Java SE 8 download page.
Open the .dmg, run the .pkg installer, and follow the prompts. (Oracle Documentation)
Once installed, use tools like java_home to choose the version:
```
/usr/libexec/java_home -v 1.8 --exec java -version
```

Option B: AdoptOpenJDK or similar builds

AdoptOpenJDK (now under Eclipse Adoptium) provides builds—with both installer and archive options.

For example, Salesforce documentation in August 2025 suggests using the AdoptOpenJDK site, choosing OpenJDK 8 (LTS) with the HotSpot JVM, and proceeding through its installer. (Salesforce)

After installing, set your JAVA_HOME, e.g.:

export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home -v 1.8)
export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH

4. MacPorts

If you’re using MacPorts instead of Homebrew, installing OpenJDK 8 is straightforward:

sudo port install openjdk8

To see what’s installed:

port contents openjdk8

To update later:

sudo port selfupdate && sudo port upgrade openjdk8

(MacPorts)

Choosing the Right Method for You

Intent	Best Method
Quick install and easy maintenance	Homebrew (`brew install openjdk@8`)
Managing multiple concurrent Java versions	SDKMAN
Full control and official installer (GUI-friendly)	Manual `.dmg` or `.pkg` via Oracle/Adoptium
Preference for MacPorts ecosystem	MacPorts

Verifying the Installation

After installation, check it with:

java -version

Expect something like "1.8.0_xxx" to confirm Java 8 is active. For precise control:

/usr/libexec/java_home -v 1.8 --exec javac -version

Final Thoughts

To sum up:

Homebrew is the most popular go-to in 2025—just brew install openjdk@8, then link and set up the PATH.
SDKMAN gives you flexibility if you switch Java versions frequently.
Manual installers (Oracle, Adoptium) remain a solid, GUI-based fallback.
MacPorts works if that’s your preferred package manager.

Let me know if you want help setting up in your shell, switching between Java versions, or anything else along the way!

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