How to set Java environment path in Ubuntu

Java is typically installed in /usr/java locate the version you have and then do the following:

Assuming you are using bash (if you are just starting off, i recommend bash over other shells) you can simply type in bash to start it.

Edit your ~/.bashrc file and add the paths as follows:

for eg. vi ~/.bashrc

insert following lines:

export JAVA_HOME=/usr/java/<your version of java>
export PATH=${PATH}:${JAVA_HOME}/bin

after you save the changes, exit and restart your bash or just type in bash to start a new shell

Type in export to ensure paths are right.

Type in java -version to ensure Java is accessible.


set environment variables as follows

Edit the system Path file /etc/profile

sudo gedit /etc/profile

Add following lines in end

JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/jdk1.7.0
PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin:$JAVA_HOME/bin
export JAVA_HOME
export JRE_HOME
export PATH

Then Log out and Log in ubuntu for setting up the paths...