Zero JDK – Java builds without installing Java

Hacker News

Zero JDK is a POSIX-compliant shell script that bootstraps a Java project by downloading and setting up the required JDK (via a custom URL in .jdk/config.properties). It works without needing Java installed globally. It also supports installing Maven or Gradle wrappers, so that a new contributor or CI runner can clone the repo, run ./build init, and build the project without touching system state. I made this because I kept jumping between projects with different JDK versions, and I wanted a zero-dependency way to ensure reproducible builds. Inspired by the simplicity of scripts like mvnw or gradlew, but extended to also bootstrap the JDK itself. It currently supports macOS and Linux. Curious if others find this useful and happy for feedback or contributions.

Visit product View on Hacker NewsMay 27, 2025

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Indie HackersFits the IH revenue-focused audience · Strong signals: supports · Missing: reddit linkedin, podcasting, created

86%86% predicted probability of success on Indie Hackers, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

best fitHighest predicted score across all platforms for this description.

Product HuntOn track for Day 1 leaderboard · Strong signals: mac, macos, new · Missing: agents, agent, cursor

84%84% predicted probability of success on Product Hunt, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

TrustMRRLess likely to generate early MRR · Strong signals: way · Missing: mobile apps, ios, personal

36%36% predicted probability of success on TrustMRR, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

AppSumoMay struggle as an AppSumo deal · Missing: plus, platform, intuitive

34%34% predicted probability of success on AppSumo, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Hacker NewsMay not resonate with HN audience · Strong signals: io · Missing: https docs, excited, just released

31%31% predicted probability of success on Hacker News, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

nativeThis product was originally launched on this platform.

Acquire.comPre-revenue stage for this audience · Missing: arr, mrr, revenue

21%21% predicted probability of success on Acquire.com, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

BetaListMay not resonate with beta-testers · Missing: web3, chat, crypto

1%1% predicted probability of success on BetaList, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Correct prediction on native model

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