DX Compatibility with Java Distributions (Oracle vs. Adoptium/Zulu)

Overview

This article clarifies which Java distributions are supported for DX, including whether Eclipse Adoptium (Temurin) or Zulu Java 8 can be used instead of the officially required Oracle Java 8 with JavaFX libraries.

1. Officially Supported Java Version for DX

✔ DX documentation specifies that Java 8 by Oracle (with JavaFX libraries) is required.
✔ Other Java distributions, such as Adoptium (Temurin) and Zulu, are not officially supported.
✔ Support teams will first ask customers to install the required Oracle Java SDK before troubleshooting issues.

2. Can Adoptium Temurin Java 8 Be Used?

❌ No, Adoptium does not include the required JavaFX libraries.
✔ If JavaFX is missing, DX will fail to launch.
✔ Customers attempting to use Adoptium should be advised to switch to Oracle Java 8.

3. Can Zulu Java 8 Be Used?

✔ Zulu Java 8 may work if it includes the required JavaFX libraries.
❌ However, Zulu Java is not officially supported by Jama.
✔ Customers using Zulu must be informed that they will not receive support if issues arise.

Customer Considerations for Zulu Java 8:

• If Zulu Java contains JavaFX, DX may function correctly.

• Jama cannot provide support for Zulu Java-related issues.

• Knorr-Bremse has reported using Zulu Java successfully, but this is not a recommended configuration.

4. Best Practices for Java Configuration in DX

✅ Ensure the customer installs Oracle Java 8 with JavaFX to guarantee compatibility.
✅ If using an alternative (e.g., Zulu), confirm that JavaFX is included.
✅ Inform customers that unsupported Java distributions may lead to issues that Jama Support cannot resolve.

5. Conclusion

• DX officially supports only Oracle Java 8 with JavaFX.

• Adoptium (Temurin) does not contain JavaFX and is not compatible.

• Zulu Java may work but is not officially supported.

• Customers using unsupported Java versions should be aware that they will not receive support for related issues.