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# Mac FAQ

Contents:

- How do I install Oracle Java?
- How do I install JavaFX?
- Can I restore Apple Java 6 after uninstalling Oracle Java 7?
- I am running Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8) or later and Gatekeeper is blocking an app from launching. What is going on?
- What happened to the Java Preferences app in Application -> Utilities?
- I have Oracle's version of the JRE installed, but it is not listed in Java Preferences.
- I have Oracle's version of the JRE installed, but when I try to use `java` from the command line, it does not work.

Q: How do I install Oracle Java?

A: See the JDK Installation for OS X and JRE Installation for OS X guides.

Q: How do I install JavaFX?

A The JavaFX SDK and runtime are included in the installation of the JDK and JRE respectively, and they are integrated into the same directory structure. For information on how to work with JavaFX, see the JavaFX Documentation.

Q: Can I restore Apple Java 6 after uninstalling Oracle Java 7?

A: Go back to Apple Java 6 using the following instructions:

1. Uninstall Oracle Java 7 by deleting the plug-in file. From a Terminal window enter:

       % sudo rm -rf /Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

2. Create a symlink using the following command, entered on a single line:

       % sudo ln -s /System/Library/Java/Support/CoreDeploy.bundle/Contents/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin /Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

Q: I am running Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8) or later and Gatekeeper is blocking an app from launching. What is going on?

A: Gatekeeper, introduced in Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8), is designed to prevent potentially malicious apps from launching. When you attempt to launch an app that doesn't meet certain criteria, Gatekeeper will block the launch. To override this, you can modify Gatekeeper's default settings, or explicitly right/control-click the application and choose Open.

To create a Java application that will launch without interruption under the default Gatekeeper settings, the app must be bundled with a JRE, use Oracle's launcher stub, and be signed with an Apple Developer ID. For more information on creating an app that satisfies these requirements, see Packaging a Java App for Distribution on a Mac.

Q: What happened to the Java Preferences app in Application -> Utilities?

A: The Java Preferences app was part of Apple Java installation and is not used by Oracle Java. Therefore, OS X releases from Apple that do not include Apple Java will not include Java Preferences.

One of the functions of Java Preferences was to set the current version of the JRE. Under Oracle Java, only a single version of the JRE can be installed at a time. For more information, see JRE 7 Installation for Mac OS X.

To access the Java Control Panel, click the Java icon in the System Preferences panel. If the Java icon is not present (under the Other category) in System Preferences, you do not have an Oracle JRE installed.

Q: I have Oracle's version the JRE installed, but it is not listed in Java Preferences.

A: This is correct. The JRE will not show up in the Java Preferences list unless you install the full JDK.

Q: I have Oracle's version of the JRE installed, but when I try to use `java` from the command line, it does not work.

A: Installing a JRE from Oracle does not update `java -version` symlinks or add `java` to your path. For this functionality, you must install the full JDK.

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