> Markdown version of [Install a JDK](https://vaadin.com/docs/next/getting-started/dev-environment/install-java). Section index: [llms.txt](https://vaadin.com/docs/next/getting-started/llms.txt)

# Install a JDK

Vaadin requires a Java Development Kit (JDK), version 21 or newer. If you don’t have one already, install [Eclipse Temurin](https://adoptium.net/temurin/releases/), a free OpenJDK distribution that works well with Vaadin. Pick the latest Long Term Support (LTS) version.

## <a id="install-eclipse-temurin"></a>Install Eclipse Temurin

1. Go to the [Temurin releases page](https://adoptium.net/temurin/releases/) and select the latest LTS version, your operating system, and your processor architecture.

2. Download the installer: the `.msi` package on Windows, or the `.pkg` package on macOS. On Linux, use your distribution’s package manager if it offers Temurin. Otherwise, download the `.tar.gz` archive and extract it.

3. Run the installer with the default options. On Windows, also select the option to set the `JAVA_HOME` variable, since IDEs and build tools use it to find the JDK.

4. Open a new terminal and verify the installation:

   ```terminal
   java -version
   ```

   The output should name a Temurin build of the version you installed.

Your JDK is now ready. Continue by [installing an IDE](https://vaadin.com/docs/next/getting-started/dev-environment/install-ide.md).

## <a id="other-options"></a>Other Options

Any JDK distribution based on [OpenJDK](https://openjdk.org/) works with Vaadin. If you’re unsure which one to pick, see the [whichjdk.com](https://whichjdk.com/) website for independent, yet opinionated recommendations.

### <a id="sdkman-for-macos-and-linux"></a>SDKMAN for macOS and Linux

If you use macOS or Linux, a more flexible way of installing a JDK is to use SDKMAN. SDKMAN is a tool that lets you install and switch between multiple JDKs through a command line interface.

Install SDKMAN by following the [SDKMAN installation instructions](https://sdkman.io/install). After that, install the latest stable version of Java by running the following command:

```terminal
sdk install java
```

You can also install a specific version of a specific JDK. See the [SDKMAN usage instructions](https://sdkman.io/usage) for more information.