Using the SDK Command (with examples)

The sdk command is a powerful tool for managing multiple Software Development Kits (SDKs) in parallel. It supports a wide range of languages and tools, including Java, Groovy, Scala, Kotlin, Gradle, Maven, Vert.x, and many others. Whether you need to install a new SDK version, switch between different versions, or upgrade to the latest stable release, the sdk command has got you covered. In this article, we will explore several use cases of the sdk command with code examples, motivations, explanations, and example outputs.

Use Case 1: Install an SDK version

To install a specific SDK version, you can use the following command:

sdk install sdk_name sdk_version

Motivation: Installing a specific SDK version is useful when you need to work with a particular version of a language or tool that is required for your project.

Explanation:

• sdk_name: The name of the SDK you want to install, e.g., java, gradle, maven.
• sdk_version: The specific version of the SDK you want to install, e.g., 8.0.292.hs-adpt for Java.

Example Output:

Downloading: sdk_name sdk_version
Installing: sdk_name sdk_version
Done installing!

Use Case 2: Use a specific SDK version for the current terminal session

To use a specific SDK version in the current terminal session, use the following command:

sdk use sdk_name sdk_version

Motivation: Using a specific SDK version ensures that the correct version of the language or tool is used when running commands or building your project.

Explanation:

• sdk_name: The name of the SDK you want to use, e.g., java, gradle, maven.
• sdk_version: The specific version of the SDK you want to use, e.g., 8.0.292.hs-adpt for Java.

Example Output:

Using sdk_name sdk_version in this terminal session.

Use Case 3: Show the stable version of any available SDK

If you want to know the stable version of a specific SDK, you can use the following command:

sdk current sdk_name

Motivation: Checking the stable version of an SDK can be helpful when you want to see if a newer version is available and consider upgrading.

Explanation:

• sdk_name: The name of the SDK for which you want to check the stable version, e.g., java, gradle, maven.

Example Output:

Latest stable version of sdk_name is sdk_version

Use Case 4: Show the stable versions of all installed SDKs

To view the stable versions of all installed SDKs, use the following command:

sdk current

Motivation: This command enables you to quickly check the stable versions of all installed SDKs and see if any updates are available.

Example Output:

sdk_name1:
  - Current: sdk_version1
  - Available: sdk_version2
 
sdk_name2:
  - Current: sdk_version3
  - Available: sdk_version4

Use Case 5: List all available SDKs

If you want to see a list of all available SDKs that can be installed, use the following command:

sdk list

Motivation: Listing all available SDKs helps you discover new languages or tools that are supported by the sdk command.

Example Output:

sdk_name1
sdk_name2
sdk_name3

Use Case 6: List all versions of an SDK

To see a list of all available versions for a specific SDK, use the following command:

sdk list sdk_name

Motivation: Listing all versions of an SDK allows you to choose a specific version that meets your project requirements.

Explanation:

• sdk_name: The name of the SDK for which you want to list all versions, e.g., java, gradle, maven.

Example Output:

Available versions for sdk_name:
- sdk_version1
- sdk_version2
- sdk_version3

Use Case 7: Upgrade an SDK to the latest stable version

To upgrade an installed SDK to the latest stable version, use the following command:

sdk upgrade sdk_name

Motivation: Upgrading an SDK to the latest stable version ensures that you have access to new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

Explanation:

• sdk_name: The name of the SDK you want to upgrade, e.g., java, gradle, maven.

Example Output:

Upgrading sdk_name from sdk_version1 to sdk_version2
Upgrade complete!

Use Case 8: Uninstall a specific SDK version

If you want to remove a specific version of an SDK, you can use the following command:

sdk rm sdk_name sdk_version

Motivation: Uninstalling a specific version of an SDK can free up disk space and keep your development environment tidy.

Explanation:

• sdk_name: The name of the SDK you want to uninstall, e.g., java, gradle, maven.
• sdk_version: The specific version of the SDK you want to uninstall, e.g., 8.0.292.hs-adpt for Java.

Example Output:

Removing sdk_name sdk_version
Uninstall complete!

By utilizing the sdk command, managing multiple Software Development Kits becomes a breeze. Whether you need to install, use, upgrade, or uninstall SDK versions, the sdk command provides a convenient and efficient way to handle them. With its extensive language and tool support, this tool is a valuable addition to any developer’s toolkit.

More information about the sdk command can be found at https://sdkman.io/usage .