JAVA_HOME: Purpose & Setup Guide
The Java Home environment variable is a very important environment variable in the Java development environment. Its main functions include the following:
- Specify the installation path of the Java runtime: The Java Home environment variable specifies the installation path of the Java runtime, allowing the system to locate where Java is installed and run Java programs correctly.
- Enable the system to locate the Java executable file: By adding the path of the Java executable file to the system’s PATH environment variable via the Java Home environment variable, the system will be able to run Java-related commands directly through the command line, such as javac and java.
- The Java Home environment variable can also be utilized by development tools, such as IDEs, allowing them to locate the installation location of Java and properly compile and run Java programs.
In general, the purpose of the Java Home environment variable is to help the system locate the installation location of Java and enable the system to run Java programs and development tools correctly.