How to find the JVM version from a program?

java

jvm-configuration

java-properties

runtime-environment

byAlex Kataev·Dec 21, 2024

Get the JVM version using the following command:

System.out.println("JVM version: " + System.getProperty("java.version"));

This command quickly and efficiently retrieves the JVM version from the system properties.

Additional JVM details

Dive deeper into the JVM's properties and methods:

ManagementFactory.getRuntimeMXBean().getVmVersion() as an alternative method to quickly retrieve the JVM version being used by the runtime.
System.getProperty("java.specification.version") will return the JRE specification version, a critical piece of information for checking library compatibility.
To get a detailed JVM version, use System.getProperty("java.runtime.version").
Get vendor-specific information such as java.vm.name and System.getProperty("java.vendor").

Remember, having additional details can help you:

Tailor your code to different JVM implementations.
Handle JVM-specific behavior or bugs.
Enable thorough runtime environment auditing.

Tackling JVM's environment quirks

Runtime specifics

java.runtime.version often provides extra details compared to java.version, such as identifying specific updates or builds that could impact your program.

Specifications and compatibility

java.specification.version gives you the JRE compatibility information, enabling you to write portable code.

Detailed settings

The command-line query java -XshowSettings:all -version will spill all the details of JVM settings. It's not just the version, it's a full configuration profile. Think of it as a tip bucket for debugging!

Vendor terms apply

Use java.vm.name and java.vendor to make your program fit nicely with different JVM vendors. The java.class.version gives information about the Java class format version, talk about extra credit!

Understanding your environment

Valuable system properties

os.name, user.home, or file.separator are useful properties to understand varied system environment factors, affecting your program's execution across different OS.