How to Install Java and Use Maven

If you want to build Java projects efficiently, you’ll need two essential tools: Java (JDK) and Maven. Java lets you write and run programs, while Maven helps you manage dependencies and build your project automatically.

This guide walks you through installing both and using Maven from the command line.

What You Need Before Starting

A Windows PC (steps are similar for Linux/Mac)
Internet connection
Basic familiarity with Command Prompt (CMD)

Step 1: Install Java (JDK)

To run Maven, Java must already be installed.

Download Java

You can install:

Oracle JDK
Eclipse Temurin (recommended, free)

Install and Set Environment Variable

After installing:

Open Start Menu and search Environment Variables
Click Edit the system environment variables
Click Environment Variables

Under System Variables:

Click New
Name: JAVA_HOME
Value (example):

C:\Program Files\Eclipse Adoptium\jdk-21

Now edit the Path variable and add:

%JAVA_HOME%\bin

Verify Installation

Open CMD and run:

java -version
javac -version

If both commands show versions, Java is installed correctly.

Step 2: Install Maven

Download Maven

Download Apache Maven and choose the Binary zip file, then extract it, for example:

C:\apache-maven-3.9.9

Set Maven Environment Variables

Go back to Environment Variables.

Under System Variables:

Click New
Name:

MAVEN_HOME

Value:

C:\apache-maven-3.9.9

Edit Path and add:

%MAVEN_HOME%\bin

Verify Maven Installation

Open a new CMD window and run:

mvn -version

You should see Maven version along with Java details.

Step 3: Create a Maven Project

Run this command:

mvn archetype:generate

Follow the prompts:

groupId → your project group (for example, com.example)
artifactId → project name (for example, my-app)

Maven will create a project folder for you.

Step 4: Basic Maven Commands

Navigate into your project:

cd my-app

Now you can use these common commands:

Clean Project

mvn clean

Compile Code

mvn compile

Run Tests

mvn test

Package Project (Creates .jar File)

mvn package

Install to Local Repository

mvn install

Step 5: Run Your Application

After packaging, run your JAR file:

java -jar target/my-app-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar

Common Errors and Fixes

❌ “mvn is not recognized”

Fix:

Check %MAVEN_HOME%\bin is in Path
Restart CMD

❌ Java not found

Fix:

Verify JAVA_HOME
Ensure %JAVA_HOME%\bin is in Path

❌ Version mismatch

Make sure Maven is using the correct Java:

mvn -version

Final Check

Run all three commands:

java -version
javac -version
mvn -version

If all work, your setup is complete.

Conclusion

With Java and Maven installed, you now have a powerful setup to build, manage, and run Java projects efficiently. Maven saves time by handling dependencies and automating builds, making it a must-have tool for developers.