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vollaSchmidt

Q: why do apps demand older versions (java 6) if their jar runs fine under  java 8 (e.g. freemind) ?

Hello Community

 

Since i had installed the newest version of Java several Java applications urge me to install the older Java 6.

I wonder why since the jar included in the package runs fine under Java 8 as expected.

 

regards volker

OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Feb 18, 2015 1:28 PM

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Q: why do apps demand older versions (java 6) if their jar runs fine under  java 8 (e.g. freemind) ?

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Feb 18, 2015 1:36 PM in response to vollaSchmidt
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
    Applications
    Feb 18, 2015 1:36 PM in response to vollaSchmidt

    There are two different Java distributions for end users: one distributed by Apple, and one by Oracle. They don't overlap in function.

    The Apple Java runtime (version 6) is needed to run bare jar files and older standalone Java applications. Newer Java applications have the Java runtime built in, and don't depend on Apple's Java.

    The Oracle Java runtime (version 8 or later) is a web plugin only. It's used to run Java applets on web pages and Java WebStart applications. You can determine whether it's installed and up to date by looking for a preference pane named Java in System Preferences. If it's present, open it. It will launch the "Java Control Panel." Select the Update tab.