How to Update the Default JDK Installed in Oracle Application Server 10g (Doc ID 396096.1)

Last updated on JUNE 03, 2024

Applies to:

Goal

This document describes how to change (upgrade/downgrade) the Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) version within an Oracle Application Server 10g installation. This document is primarily for version 10.1.3 and tested with this version accordingly. The same steps should apply to 10.1.2 and 10.1.4, but keeping in mind the only certified JDK is the 1.4.2_xx series, all of which are no longer in a supported status. See also older <Note 272808.1> How to Update the Default JDK Installed in Application Server 10.1.2 .

The JDK can be changed two ways:

1. Globally 
   This approach replaces the $ORACLE_HOME/jdk location that is used by all Application Server components (including opmn, dmstool, all OC4J instances etc.)
   
   
2. Per OC4J Instance 
   In this scenario, the default JSDK is left untouched and a new JSDK location is created that can be used selectively with custom OC4J instances created after the initial Application Server install. This approach modifies the configuration of the Oracle Process Manager so that it uses a specific "java" executable when it starts a specified OC4J instance.

The JSDK that is shipped within Application Server undergoes comprehensive testing during the product development and release cycles and this version is then "certified" as a version not found to present any known issues of significant impact or risk to customers adopting it. Wherever possible it is recommended to minimize against the possibility of introducing unknown risks by making as little change to the "certified" product as possible and for this reason changing the JSDK for specific OC4J instances should be preferred over the global approach.

Using the installed JDK and updating to the latest release will remain supported through Premier Support for FMW 10.1.3 as per the following:

<Note 952075.1> Java SE (J2SE) End of Life and Oracle Fusion Middleware Policy.

Before updating the JSDK to a totally new version, it is  recommended that customers check the certification matrix for the Application Server in question and select a more recently certified JSDK:

Oracle SOA and WebCenter (10.1.3.1 and 10.1.3.2) Certification Information

After checking the above link, where it is certified, the below document is referenced for more information on the certified upgrade process to Java 6:

<Note 444462.1> Upgrading to Java 6 on Oracle Application Server 10g Release 3 (10.1.3)

Solution