Appendix A. Setting the default JDK with the /usr/sbin/alternatives Utility

Procedure A.1. Using /usr/sbin/alternatives to Set the Default JDK

1. Become the root user.

   /usr/sbin/alternatives needs to be run with root privileges. Use the su command or other mechanism to gain these privileges.

2. Set java.

   Input this command: /usr/sbin/alternatives --config java
   Next, follow the on-screen directions to ensure that the correct version of java is selected. Table A.1, “java alternative commands” shows the relevant command settings for each of the different JDKs.
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   Table A.1. java alternative commands

   JDK	alternative command
   OpenJDK 1.6	/usr/lib/jvm/jre-1.6.0-openjdk/bin/java
   Sun Microsystems JDK 1.6	/usr/lib/jvm/jre-1.6.0-sun/bin/java

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3. Set javac.

   Enter this command: /usr/sbin/alternatives --config javac
   Follow the on-screen directions to ensure that the correct version of javac is selected. Table A.2, “javac alternative commands” shows the appropriate command settings for the different JDKs.
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   Table A.2. javac alternative commands

   JDK	alternative command
   OpenJDK 1.6	/usr/lib/jvm/java-1.6.0-openjdk/bin/javac
   Sun Microsystems JDK 1.6	/usr/lib/jvm/java-1.6.0-sun/bin/javac

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4. Extra Step: Set java_sdk_1.6.0.

   The Sun Microsystems JDK 1.6 requires an additional command be run:
   /usr/sbin/alternatives --config java_sdk_1.6.0
   Follow the on-screen directions to ensure that the correct java_sdk is selected. It is /usr/lib/jvm/java-1.6.0-sun.