Setting JAVA_HOME in Windows?

Question

Where should JAVA_HOME be pointing to - JDK or JRE? I have seen that in few websites. It is set to JRE and in others it is to JDK. And is it dependant on Java version in any way?

Answer 1

JDK stands for Java Development Kit, while JRE stands for Java Runtime Environment. JAVA_HOME should point to a JDK not a JRE as the JDK is used for development purposes. JDK includes the compiler and other tools needed to develop Java applications while JRE does not.

See How to set java_home on Windows 7? on how to change your JAVA_HOME.

Source: Java SE 6 vs. JRE 1.6 vs. JDK 1.6 - What do these mean?

Answer 2

You should set JAVA_HOME to the JDK.

Relevant Documentation:

1. Install the JDK software.

   a. Go to http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp.

   b. Select the appropriate JDK software and click Download.

   The JDK software is installed on your computer, for example, at C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_02. You can move the JDK software to another location if desired.

2. To set JAVA_HOME:

   a. Right click My Computer and select Properties.

   b. On the Advanced tab, select Environment Variables, and then edit JAVA_HOME to point to where the JDK software is located, for example, C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_02.