Solving the Could Not Determine Java Version from 11.0.8 Error: Comprehensive Guide for Java Users

If you're a Java developer, you might have come across the error message Could not determine Java version from '11.0.8'. This error typically occurs when you're using a Java version that is either not supported by your build tool (like Gradle or Maven) or when there's a misconfiguration in your build. In this guide, we'll cover the step-by-step process to resolve this issue and some frequently asked questions.

Table of Contents

• Updating your Build Tool
• Configuring the Build Tool to Use the Correct Java Version
• Gradle
• Maven
• FAQ

Updating your Build Tool

The first step to resolving the "Could not determine Java version" error is to ensure that your build tool is up to date. Older versions of build tools may not support newer Java versions, causing this error to appear. Follow the steps below to update your build tool:

Gradle

1. Open your gradle-wrapper.properties file, which is usually located in your project's gradle folder.
2. Modify the distributionUrl property to point to the latest Gradle version. You can find the latest version on the Gradle Releases page.
3. Save the file and re-run your build.

Maven

1. Open your pom.xml file, which is the main configuration file for your Maven project.
2. Locate the <version> tag within the <build> section and update it to the latest Maven version. You can find the latest version on the Maven Releases page.
3. Save the file and re-run your build.

Configuring the Build Tool to Use the Correct Java Version

After updating your build tool, you may still encounter the "Could not determine Java version" error if your build tool is not configured to use the correct Java version. Follow the steps below to configure your build tool to use the correct Java version:

Gradle

1. Open your build.gradle file.
2. Add or modify the sourceCompatibility and targetCompatibility properties to match your desired Java version, as shown below:

sourceCompatibility = '11'
targetCompatibility = '11'

1. Save the file and re-run your build.

Maven

1. Open your pom.xml file.
2. Add or modify the <maven.compiler.source> and <maven.compiler.target> properties within the <properties> section to match your desired Java version, as shown below:

<properties>
    <maven.compiler.source>11</maven.compiler.source>
    <maven.compiler.target>11</maven.compiler.target>
</properties>

1. Save the file and re-run your build.

FAQ

1. What is the cause of the "Could not determine Java version" error?

This error occurs when your build tool (like Gradle or Maven) cannot determine the Java version being used for your project. This can happen if you're using an unsupported Java version or if there's a misconfiguration in your build.

2. How do I find out which Java version I'm using?

To find out which Java version you're using, open a terminal or command prompt and run the following command:

java -version

3. Can I use multiple Java versions on my system?

Yes, you can have multiple Java versions installed on your system. To switch between different Java versions, you can update the JAVA_HOME environment variable to point to the desired Java installation directory.

4. Can I use a specific Java version for a single project?

Yes, you can configure your build tool to use a specific Java version for a single project. Refer to the Configuring the Build Tool to Use the Correct Java Version section for details on how to do this.

5. How do I update my build tool to support the latest Java version?

To update your build tool, follow the steps outlined in the Updating your Build Tool section. This will ensure that your build tool supports the latest Java version.

Related Links

• Gradle Documentation
• Maven Documentation
• Java Releases