release version not supported ☕ Java

[ERROR] Fatal error compiling: error: release version 17 not supported

The JDK running Maven is older than the Java version the project compiles for.

Seen on: Java

Meaning

maven.compiler.release=17 needs JDK 17+. JAVA_HOME may point to an older JDK even if a newer one is installed.

Common causes

  • JAVA_HOME / mvn using an older JDK
  • IDE Maven runner configured with a different JDK
  • CI image with old Java

⚡ Quick fix

  1. Check mvn -version (shows the JDK used)
  2. Point JAVA_HOME to the right JDK
  3. Set the JDK in CI (setup-java)

Detailed fix by platform

Java

  1. mvn -version

How to diagnose

  1. JDK — Which Java does Maven use?
  2. Target — maven.compiler.release value

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