Quick Start Guide: Java Setup for R Projects

This guide will walk you through downloading, installing, and managing Java environments for your R projects using the rJavaEnv package. We’ll cover setting up the environment, unsetting it, managing distributions, installing Java, and checking Java versions.

Step 1: Download and Install Java

  1. Install rJavaEnv: First, install the development version of rJavaEnv from GitHub:

    devtools::install_github("e-kotov/rJavaEnv")
  2. Quick Install Java: To quickly install Java 21 (default) in your current project directory and set the environment:

    library(rJavaEnv)
    java_quick_install()

    This command:

    • Downloads the Java distribution compatible with your OS and architecture.
    • Installs Java in a cache directory.
    • Sets the JAVA_HOME and PATH environment variables for the current session and project.

    Expected output:

    Platform detected or provided: <your_platform>
    Architecture detected or provided: <your_architecture>
    Downloading Java 21 (Corretto) for <your_platform> <your_architecture> to <destination_path>
    Download completed.
    Java 21 (Corretto) for <your_platform> <your_architecture> installed at <installed_path> and symlinked to <symlink_path>
  3. Step-by-Step Installation: If you prefer a more controlled process:

    • Download Java:

      java_distr_path <- java_download(version = 21, distribution = "Corretto")

      This will download Java 21 from the Corretto distribution.

      Expected output:

      Downloading Java 21 (Corretto) for <your_platform> <your_architecture> to <destination_path>
      Download completed.
    • Install Java:

      java_home_path <- java_install(java_distr_path)

      This will install the downloaded Java distribution and set the JAVA_HOME and PATH environment variables.

      Expected output:

      Java 21 (Corretto) installed at <installed_path> and symlinked to <symlink_path>

Step 2: Set Java Environment

Set the JAVA_HOME and PATH environment variables to the installed Java directory:

java_env_set(java_home_path)

This function sets the JAVA_HOME and PATH environment variables for the current R session and/or the project .Rprofile file.

Expected output:

Current R Session: JAVA_HOME and PATH set to <java_home_path>
Current R Project/Working Directory: JAVA_HOME and PATH set to <java_home_path> in .Rprofile in <project_directory>

Step 3: Unset Java Environment

Remove the JAVA_HOME and PATH environment variables settings from the project .Rprofile file:

java_env_unset()

This function removes the JAVA_HOME and PATH environment variables from the .Rprofile file in the project directory.

Expected output:

Removed JAVA_HOME settings from .Rprofile in <project_directory>

Step 4: Manage Java Distributions

Step 5: Manage Installed Java Versions

Step 6: Manage Project-Specific Java Versions

Step 7: Check Java Version