Do I Need Java?

Is Java an essential system for my MacBook Air? I don't know why it is in System Preferences besides Flash Player on my computer that I got used. I didn't install it on my Mac and therefore don't trust it.

Java wants me to let it update, but I don't want to until I know what it is for...

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jun 10, 2020 12:47 PM

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I am getting pop-ups saying this: "To use the 'java' Command-line tool, you need to install a JDK." I read the article suggesting that I install the "latest" version of Java. By following the links provided, I obtained a Java install package, but when I tried to install it, I was informed that a newer version of Java was already install, so the version I had just downloaded cannot be installed. I am on MacOS 10.15.5 How do I get rid of this extremely annoying pop-up? If I follow the link in the pop-up to attempt to fix it, I am taken to a Google Chrome page telling me how to deal with Adobe Flash player. There is no explanation for the relationship between Adobe Flash Player and Java, but I guess it means that Adobe Flash Player requires the JDK to run. Ideas?
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3 replies

Kurt Lang

Level 9

68,448 points

Jun 10, 2020 12:48 PM in response to Weyai1

There's almost nothing on the web anymore that requires Flash, Shockwave or Java in order to view a site properly. I haven't had any of them on my Macs in almost two years.

Weyai1 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 12, 2020 11:45 AM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks. Software technology is advancing faster that I can keep up with it :)

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,152 points

Jun 10, 2020 2:49 PM in response to Weyai1

No. Like asking a dentist to drill a perfectly good tooth.

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