How to use a specific version of Java in Maven

This shot discusses different ways to set the Java version in Maven projects.

What is Maven?

Maven is a tool used to build and package Java applications.

Method 1: Change the JAVA_HOME path

Maven uses the JAVA_HOME environment variable to find which Java version it is supposed to run. If a different version of Java is needed, set the JAVA_HOME to the path of the specific version of JDK.

For example, if Java 8 is needed:

JAVA_HOME=/usr/local/java8

Method 2: Maven Compiler plugin properties

The following properties can be configured to set the Java version in Maven.

1. maven.compiler.source
2. maven.compiler.target

In the pom.xml, add the above two properties.

If Java 8 is needed:

 <properties>
        <maven.compiler.target>1.8</maven.compiler.target>
        <maven.compiler.source>1.8</maven.compiler.source>
 </properties>

Method 3: Configure the Maven Compiler plugin

Add the source and target while you configure the Maven compiler plugin in the pom.xml file.

If Java 8 is needed, refer to the following code.

<build>
        <plugins>
            <plugin>
                <groupId>org.apache.maven.plugins</groupId>
                <artifactId>maven-compiler-plugin</artifactId>
                <version>3.8.1</version>
                <configuration>
                    <source>1.8</source>
                    <target>1.8</target>
                </configuration>
            </plugin>
        </plugins>
    </build>