How to Download and Install OpenJDK for Java 16 on Windows

In recent years, there have been changes in the way Oracle JDK is licensed, which has led some users to look for alternative implementations of the Java Platform. One such implementation is OpenJDK (Open Java Development Kit), a free and open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE). In this post, we will explore how to download and install OpenJDK for Java 16 on Windows operating system.

One of the key features of OpenJDK is that it only supports changes up until the next release. This means that once a new version of OpenJDK is released, support for the previous version will be discontinued. Additionally, the implementation is licensed under the GPL-2.0-only with a linking exception.

History of OpenJDK

OpenJDK was an effort started by Sun Microsystems in 2006 to create a free and open-source implementation of the Java Platform. Today, Oracle provides long-term support for its releases.

Downloading OpenJDK

To download OpenJDK, visit the official homepage of OpenJDK 16 and click on the link for downloading a zip file for Windows/圆4. The downloaded file will be named `openjdk-16.0.1_windows-x64_bin.zip`. It's recommended to verify the SHA256 checksum of the downloaded file by typing the command `ertutil -hashfile openjdk-16.0.1_windows-x64_bin.zip SHA256` in a command prompt window, and then comparing it with the value published on the website.

Installing OpenJDK

Once you have downloaded and verified the integrity of the OpenJDK zip file, you can proceed to install it. Note that OpenJDK does not come with an installer, so you will need to update your system PATH environment variable manually.

In conclusion, OpenJDK is a free and open-source implementation of the Java Platform, and it's a great alternative for those looking for a cost-effective solution. With its bi-annual releases and long-term support from Oracle, OpenJDK is a reliable choice for developers. In this post, we have walked through how to download and install OpenJDK for Java 16 on Windows operating system.

Javaopenjdk