What is java on Mac?
By Junaid, maker of Taskglass · Last reviewed
A Java virtual machine running a Java program, such as Android Studio's build tools or Minecraft.
java is the Java runtime running a program written in Java or a related language. Common sources are Android Studio and Gradle build daemons, IntelliJ-based tools, Minecraft, and some business apps. Java reserves memory up front, so its memory number can look large even when idle.
- Category
- Developer tools
- Made by
- Various (Oracle, OpenJDK)
- Safe to quit:
- Yes
Shown in Activity Monitor as java
Why is java using so much CPU or memory?
- Gradle builds or IDE indexing
- Gradle daemons left running after builds
- Games like Minecraft
- A large memory limit configured for the program
What to do
- 1Check which app started it
- 2Stop idle Gradle daemons with './gradlew --stop' in your project
- 3Quit the IDE or game you're not using
Safe to quit? Yes.
Generally safe; the Java program stops and unsaved work in it may be lost.
Related processes
Part of the Taskglass Process Library