For everyone who has a server of any kind like VPS environments, especially those managed by Buyserver, reliability depends on installations that are clean, predictable, and free of hidden side effects. Installing Java in linux Ubuntu is a simple task, yet it carries real consequences when done wrong.
In this tutorial we present a simple answer to how to install Java on Ubuntu. It uses OpenJDK packages from trusted repositories, clarifies the choice between JRE and JDK, and shows how to pin a version when you want more stability. Each command is selected for best performance servers which are suitable for Ubuntu hosts, cloud instances, and Linux VPS deployments. Follow this guide precisely to ensure a clean installation.
Why Java Installation Needs Extra Care on Servers
A miscalculated Java install on a desktop is a small problem. But the same mistake on a Linux VPS or production server can destroy your future procedures. Incompatible Java versions, broken environment variables, unexpected package conflicts, and excessive memory usage are enough to tip a stable system into problem.
To avoid this, Buyserver recommends that users of Ubuntu install Java only through Ubuntu’s official repositories and their guardrails (not ad hoc) binaries or pinned packages. This tutorial reduces risk and ensures predictable updates to keep production environments stable.
Why Do You Want Java on Ubuntu VPS
Java can be used in server environments for a lot of reasons:
- Backend APIs and microservicesÂ
- Messaging and streaming platformsÂ
- CI/CD and automation tools
- Game servers and long-running services
Ubuntu remains one of the most popular operating systems for these workloads in the Linux world, making it a common choice for installing Java in Linux-based VPS environments.
Understanding Java Distributions for Ubuntu
Before installing anything, it is important to understand that installing Java in linux is available in more than one package. Choosing the right one reduces future maintenance overhead or difficulties.
OpenJDK (Recommended)
OpenJDK is the default Java implementation on Ubuntu. And probably it’s the right choice for you. Open JDk features includes:
- Fully open-source
- Maintained by the OpenJDK community
- Integrated with Ubuntu security updates
For most users and VPS deployments, OpenJDK is the safe one.
Oracle JDK
Oracle JDK is distributed under a commercial license. If OpenJDK did not work for you this one should with these properties:
- Requires license acceptance
- Mostly relevant for enterprise
Unless your application explicitly requires Oracle JDK, OpenJDK is the safer and simpler choice and we recommend installing it first.
Use Terminal to Install Java on UbuntuÂ
To access the terminal on Ubuntu, connect to your server using SSH from your local machine by running it from your personal ssh client.
ssh username@server_ip
If SSH is not available, open the web-based console or VNC console from your VPS or hosting control panel and log in with a user that has sudo privileges.
Step 1: Check If Java is Already Installed
Many VPS clients installed Java earlier, so always before installing a new version, check it with this command:
java -version
If Java is installed, the command will return the version. If not, Ubuntu will indicate that Java is missing and you need to install it correctly.
Step 2: Update the System Package Index
Keeping the package index updated, ensures that you install the latest supported version of java:
sudo apt update
This step is essential on newly created VPS instances.
Step 3: Ubuntu Install Java Using OpenJDK
To install the default version which is our recommendation simply follow below steps:
Step 4: Install the Default OpenJDK Version
Ubuntu provides a default Java package that tracks the recommended OpenJDK release:
sudo apt install default-jdk
This option is ideal if you want a stable setup on your host.
Step 5: Install a Specific Java Version
If your application requires a specific version, you can install it directly, for example we are installing version 17 with this code:
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk
Java 11 and Java 17 are long-term support (LTS) versions and are strongly recommended for production servers and VPS environments.
Step 6: Verify the Java Installation
After installation, always verify that Java is working correctly with this command:
java -version
The output should show the installed OpenJDK version.
Managing Multiple Java Versions on Ubuntu
Some servers host multiple applications, which obviously need different Java versions. Ubuntu allows switching between installed versions, so if you need it simply send this piece of code:
sudo update-alternatives --config java
This command lets you select the active Java runtime without removing other versions, a common requirement on shared Linux VPS setups, especially Ubonto.
Installing Oracle Java on Ubuntu (If its Required)
If Oracle JDK is essential for your future installations, you can easily follow these steps to install it.
sudo apt install software-properties-common sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linuxuprising/java sudo apt update
Results show the current version now. Finally install it through installer:
sudo apt install oracle-java17-installer
During installation, you will be prompted to accept Oracle’s license terms and for that just press Y button or type accept to complete installation.
Setting the JAVA_HOME Environment Variable
Some Java-based applications rely on the JAVA_HOME variable to locate the Java runtime. First, you need to identify the installed Java path:
sudo update-alternatives --config java
Then you must edit the system environment file in your host:
sudo nano /etc/environment
Add the following line (adjust the path with your own):
JAVA_HOME="/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64"
And finally apply the changes:
source /etc/environment
Things You Want to Consider After Installing Java in Linux
Keep the following operational points in mind, when installing Java on a VPS or any Linux system:
- Use LTS versions for long-running services
- Avoid unnecessary Java packages because they are going to slow down your setup
- Monitor memory usage, especially on smaller VPS plans to ensure safe distribution
- Restart services after Java updates when required to make them work
Properly configured Linux VPS combined with installing java in linux properly results in predictable performance and easier maintenance for your users.
Common Java Installation Mistakes and Fixes
You may encounter some issues during work with Java which you can handle it easily:
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
| java: command not found | Java not installed | Install OpenJDK |
| Wrong Java version | Multiple versions present | Use update-alternatives |
| Application cannot find Java | JAVA_HOME not set | Define environment variable |
Guidelines for Running Java on Ubuntu Servers for Stability
Once Java is installed correctly, the next thing you need to consider is that stability comes from keeping the environment clean. One of the main things is resource awareness. The JVM tends to use memory aggressively if left unrestricted, so its settings must match the server’s actual RAM. Actually this is critical on smaller plans, where outrage usage can quietly slow down the performance or lead to out-of-memory errors.
Consistency matters as well. Having different Java distributions on the same server often creates subtle issues that emerge weeks later. So just use a single distribution when installing Java in Ubuntu to keep updates clean and avoid errors.
Finally, treat Java as a core module of infrastructure. You must keep the operating system clean and handy, apply security patches regularly, and restart Java-based services after major updates. These little steps prevent hidden technical faults and help applications run smoothly.
Conclusion
A lot of users of Ubuntu install Java for necessary libraries and modules. So keeping everything safe from the install order, package choice, to environment variables make all the difference. Stick to the official repos, pick an LTS release, and set JAVA_HOME and PATH accurately, and you’ll end up with a rock-solid runtime that never draws attention to itself. Buyserver users who buy Linux VPS servers can rely on these steps to prevent the usual gotchas and keep their JVM humming in the background correctly.
