Java is a popular programming language that is used to create a wide range of applications for various platforms. However, while working with Java, you may encounter errors that can be confusing and frustrating. One such error is the "unsupported class file major version 60" error. In this article, we will discuss this error in detail and explore ways to fix it.
What is the Unsupported Class File Major Version 60 Error?
The "unsupported class file major version 60" error occurs when you try to run a Java application on a system that does not support the version of Java used to compile the application. In other words, the error happens when you try to run a class file that was compiled with a higher version of Java than what is supported by the system.
The number 60 in the error message refers to the class file format version. Each version of Java comes with a specific format for class files, and the version number represents the format of the class files. For example, Java 8 uses version 52, while Java 9 uses version 53. Therefore, the unsupported class file major version 60 error occurs when you try to run a class file that was compiled with Java 16 or higher on a system that does not support it.
Causes of the Unsupported Class File Major Version 60 Error
There are several reasons why you may encounter the unsupported class file major version 60 error. Here are some of the common causes:
- You are trying to run a class file that was compiled with a higher version of Java than what is supported by the system.
- You are using an outdated version of Java on the system.
- There is a mismatch between the Java version used to compile the application and the Java version installed on the system.
- The class file was compiled with an incompatible Java version, such as using Java 17 to compile a class file that is meant to run on Java 8.
How to Fix the Unsupported Class File Major Version 60 Error
Now that you know what causes the unsupported class file major version 60 error, let's explore some ways to fix it.
Upgrade the Java Version on the System
If you are running an older version of Java on the system, you need to upgrade it to a version that supports the class file format version. For example, if you are trying to run a class file compiled with Java 16, you need to install Java 16 or higher on the system. You can download the latest version of Java from the official website.
Compile the Class File with a Lower Java Version
If you have access to the source code of the application, you can recompile the class file with a lower version of Java that is supported by the system. For example, if the system supports Java 8, you can compile the class file with Java 8 instead of Java 16. This will ensure that the class file is compatible with the system.
Use a Java Version Manager
If you need to work with multiple versions of Java on the system, you can use a Java version manager such as jenv or SDKMAN. These tools allow you to switch between different versions of Java easily and ensure that the right version of Java is used to compile or run the application. This can help you avoid the unsupported class file major version 60 error.
Check the Class File Version
If you are not sure which version of Java was used to compile the class file, you can check the class file version using the javap command. Simply open the command prompt or terminal and run the following command:
javap -verbose MyClass
Replace "MyClass" with the name of the class file you want to check. The output will show you the version of Java used to compile the class file.
Conclusion
The unsupported class file major version 60 error can be frustrating, but it is easy to fix once you understand the cause. Whether you need to upgrade the Java version on the system, recompile the class file with a lower Java version, or use a Java version manager, there are several ways to ensure that your Java application runs smoothly without encountering this error.
