Questions
Why do versions differ?
Should we trust Oracle's verification routine?
In some cases, the version verified by Oracle is different from the version shown at the command line.
Example
That example, in detail
According to Oracle in the browser:
- Java 7 Update 9
According to the Java Console:
Java Plug-in 10.9.2.05
Using JRE version 1.7.0_09-b05 Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM
According to the java
command:
sh-3.2$ java -version
java version "1.8.0-ea"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0-ea-b58)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.0-b02, mixed mode)
Best Answer
Problematic uses of terminology
Where Oracle describes first Java for "your operating system" then "for your computer", the download is more accurately only for things that use the Internet plug-in:
jre-7u13-macosx-x64.dmg
installs what's required for that plug-in, but for things that use Java without the plug-in, this installer from Oracle does nothing.Hint
On OS X: if you want a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from Oracle to be like the JRE in the diagram below for both (a) things that use the Internet plug-in and (b) things that use Java without that plug-in:
at Java SE Downloads, ignore the JRE; download and install the JDK
and – if you require a greater version – at JDK 8 Early Access Releases — Java.net, ignore the JRE; download and install the JDK.
Additional explanation
Apple's distribution of Java is more than an Internet plug-in.
The Oracle routine pictured above leads to nothing more than a plug-in. Other parts of Apple's distribution are unaffected by Oracle's installer.
Installation of a JDK from Oracle will place a folder at the following path, overriding (not removing) the JDK from Apple:
/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines
Within each JDK there is a JRE. Please see the diagram below.
Oracle do actually document this (although it has taken 3 1/2 years to find it) See Oracle's page on OSX command line
Thoughts
The huge red button "Download Java Now" is too simplistic. Too many users, including some technical experts, are ultimately puzzled by the end result.
Where a Mac browser is detected by Oracle's server, one of the following phrases might be less misleading:
Critically
Oracle should offer some explanation in its Mac FAQ (Information and system requirements for installing and using Mac Java 7). The current undated edition of that page lacks an explanation.
Positively
Some users desire or require the JRE of the Internet plug-in to differ from the JRE used elsewhere. For these users, Oracle's effective separation of things may be welcomed.
An example:
YMMV.
Reference items
Java Help Center
Java Platform Standard Edition 7 Documentation
In the diagram below, from that page, focus on:
Related
How can I switch between the two Java versions in Mountain Lion now that Java Preferences is gone?