How to Install Java on Mountain Lion

Installing Java on Mac OS X 10.8, Mountain Lion, is refreshingly simple. This article explains how to ask Mac OS X to find and install Java for you.

Installing Java on Mac OS X 10.8, Mountain Lion, is refreshingly simple. This article explains how to ask Mac OS X to find and install Java for you.

We use DocBook to build our user guides and documentation. DocBook relies on Java and Java is not included as standard with Mac OS X 10.8.

  1. To install Java onto Mac OS X, type the command java into Applications > Utilities > Terminal.app.

    The java command installed by default is a placeholder. When it is first run, it triggers Software Update to launch and Java to be installed.

    The first use of the java command on Mac OS X 10.8 starts the install.

    The first use of the java command on Mac OS X 10.8 starts the install.

  2. Once Software Update has finished, Java SE is immediately available and ready to use.

    Java SE installed and ready to use on Mac OS X 10.8, Mountain Lion

    Java SE installed and ready to use on Mac OS X 10.8, Mountain Lion