Java SE 6 Runtime for High Sierra: What You Need To Know

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As of October 2017, Apple announced that it would no longer provide security updates or patches for Java SE 8 and earlier on Mac OS X version El Capitan. This decision left many users who still rely on older applications built with these versions of Java in a precarious position.

Fortunately, Oracle stepped up to fill the void by releasing its own officially supported distribution of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and Development Kit ( JDK ) for macOS High Sierra (10.13). In this article, we will explore how you can download and install the latest version of Java SE 6 runtime on your Mac running High Sierra.

Why Choose Oracle's Java?

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Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010, which gave them ownership of all Java intellectual property including the brand name 'Java.' Since then, there have been some differences between what is included in Oracle's JDK compared to what was previously provided by Apple under their own label. For instance:

* JRE vs JDK: While both distributions include just enough libraries and tools for running applications written using later versions of Java (up until 8), only the full-featured SDK comes with development tools like `javac`, `jar` etcetera needed when developing new codebase from scratch.

Why You Still Need Java SE 6?

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Despite its age, there are still many reasons why you might need to stick with Java SE 6. Here are a few:

1. Compatibility: If an older application or library relies on Java 6 specifically (which is possible), upgrading your entire system just for that one thing could cause more problems than it solves.

2. Support: While Oracle no longer provides official support for Java 6, there are still many third-party organizations and communities out there providing various forms of support through forums, bug trackers, etc.

3. Legacy Applications: Unfortunately, some older applications or systems may not yet be compatible with newer versions of Java (or even later macOS releases).

Where to Download the Oracle JDK

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If you're convinced that you do indeed need to stick with Java SE 6 for whatever reason(s), here's where you can download it from:

* Head over to 'http://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-jdk-7u80-downloads.html'(http://www.oracle.com/java/technologists/jsp/index.jsp)

* Under the 'macOS x64' or 'macOS x86' depending on your system architecture, click on either of these links:

+ For High Sierra (10.13): 'jdk-8u131_macportaer.dmg'(http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/jdk1_7u80_lapacaemacportsaer6b06b.mirrorlist)

* Follow the installation instructions provided in the downloaded `.dmg` file.

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In conclusion, while it's always recommended to stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest versions of Java (and macOS), sometimes necessity calls. With this guide on how to download and install Oracle's official JDK for High Sierra, you should be all set if you still require using older applications or libraries that rely specifically on Java SE 6.

Java se 6 runtime high sierra