Detecting Windows or Linux?

java

os-detection

system-utils

apache-commons-lang

byAlex Kataev·Feb 4, 2025

Use Java's built-in properties to swiftly identify the operating system by using the System.getProperty("os.name") function. It looks for specific keywords — if it's "win", it's Windows; if it's "nix", "nux", or "aix", it's Unix/Linux.

Check this compact snippet:

String os = System.getProperty("os.name").toLowerCase();
System.out.println(os.startsWith("win") ? "Windows" : (os.contains("nix") || os.contains("nux") ? "Unix/Linux" : "Unknown OS"));
// Yo dawg, I heard you like ternary operators...

Using `SystemUtils` from Apache Commons Lang

For a more robust and reliable approach in identifying the operating system, the SystemUtils class from Apache Commons Lang library should be your go-to solution:

// Requires Apache Commons Lang
boolean isWindows = SystemUtils.IS_OS_WINDOWS;
boolean isLinux = SystemUtils.IS_OS_LINUX;

System.out.println(isWindows ? "Running on Windows" : isLinux ? "Running on Linux" : "Unknown OS");
// It's like asking, is it a bird? is it a plane?

SystemUtils provides conveniency and consistency, wrapping seemingly complex functionalities into a simple and intuitive API.

Utility methods: Making life easier

Create boolean utility methods, such as isWindows() and isLinux(), to encapsulate the OS checks, ensuring maintainability and clean code:

public class OSDetector {
    public static boolean isWindows() {
        return System.getProperty("os.name").toLowerCase().startsWith("win");
        // Are we window shopping?
    }

    public static boolean isLinux() {
        String os = System.getProperty("os.name").toLowerCase();
        return os.contains("nux") || os.contains("nix");
        // Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Linux!
    }
    // More granular controls? Sure, add them as you please!
}

Now detecting an OS is just a method call away!

if (OSDetector.isWindows()) {
    // Let's do Windows stuff here...
} else if (OSDetector.isLinux()) {
    // And here, we go full penguin (Linux)!
}

Leverage specificity: Tailoring behaviour per OS

OS detection is crucial when you want your program to behave differently based on the platform. Depending on whether the OS is Windows or Linux, you might: