Intellij - Error:java: invalid source release: 1.8

Question

While trying to run tests, I ran into this compilation error:

I tried researching this on Google and here, and after applying all of the solutions that worked for others this issue still persists. Here is what I have done so far:

• Preferences -> Java Compiler: set 'project bytecode version' to 1.8
  • I also set the target bytecode version to 1.8 for each individual module as well
• Preferences -> Build, Execution, Deployment -> Build Tools -> Maven -> Runner: Set JRE to use Project JDK (which correctly displays as 1.8)
• Project Structure -> Project: set Project SDK to 1.8 and language level to 8
• Project Structure -> Modules -> Sources: set language level to 8 for each module
• Project Structure -> Modules -> Dependencies: set Module SDK to 1.8

I think this issue may have something to do with a discrepancy between the JDK and the compiler. When I run java -version from the terminal it returns 1.8.0_111. However when I run javac -version it returns 1.7.0_79. I looked for ways to force change the javac version to match the java version but nearly all of them reference update-alternatives which is not available for Mac OS or removing /usr/bin which is not allowed (even with sudo) on El Capitan.

Workaround Edit:
I was able to bypass the issue by going to Preferences -> Build, Execution, Deployment -> Compiler -> Java Compiler and changing the compiler from "javac" to "Eclipse" and I am able to compile my project.

Answer 1

1. Install jdk1.8.*
2. Change SDK to jdk1.8.*
3. Done

Answer 2

Try to change java version at the terminal, try this: change-java 8

Answer 3

On IntelliJ:

• Click on "File" menu
• Click on "Settings" sub-menu.
• On the Settings window, click to expand "Build, Execution, Deployment"
• Expand "Build Tools"
• Click on "Gradle"
• On Gradle JVM, select the Java version you wish to use

IntelliJ Settings - Gradle Configuration Image