Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to download and install the latest version of Eclipse IDE for Java Developers on Windows/macOS/Linux:
🛠️ 1. Install Java (JDK) First
Eclipse requires a Java Development Kit (JDK) to run.
If you don’t already have it:
- Go to the official JDK download page (Oracle, OpenJDK builds like Eclipse Temurin, Adoptium, etc.).
- Download and install the latest JDK for your OS.
- Make sure
java -versionworks from a terminal/command prompt.
(Eclipse typically needs JDK 17 or newer for current releases.) Eclipse Wiki
☁️ 2. Download the Eclipse Installer
- Open your web browser and go to https://www.eclipse.org/downloads/.
- Click Download to get the Eclipse Installer (the recommended way). Eclipse Foundation
💻 3. Run the Eclipse Installer
- Windows: double-click the downloaded
.exe. - macOS/Linux: unzip the downloaded file (if needed), then launch the installer.
- Allow any security prompts if your OS asks for permission to run. Eclipse Foundation
📦 4. Choose the “Eclipse IDE for Java Developers” Package
In the installer:
- You’ll see a list of packages (Java, Enterprise Java & Web, C/C++, etc.).
- Select “Eclipse IDE for Java Developers” — this is the edition tailored for standard Java development. Eclipse Foundation
📁 5. Select Installation Folder and Install
- Pick where you want Eclipse installed (default is usually fine).
- Click Install.
- The installer downloads and configures everything for you.
🚀 6. Launch Eclipse
- After installation completes, open Eclipse from the shortcut or installation folder.
- Choose a workspace (project folder) when prompted.
👍 Tips
- You can install the IDE without the installer by downloading a package zip and unzipping it yourself, but using the installer is easier for most users. Eclipse Foundation
- You don’t need to overwrite an existing Eclipse installation — installing a new version in a new folder is safer. Eclipse Wiki
- Once Eclipse is running, you can add plugins (e.g., WindowBuilder, Spring Tools) from Help → Eclipse Marketplace…. eclipseide.org
