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How to Install Apache Groovy on Ubuntu Linux

Richard
Written by
Richard
Aug 9, 2020 Updated Jul 14, 2026 3 min read
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Apache Groovy on Ubuntu Linux lets you add a flexible programming language to your system that works well with Java.

Apache Groovy is a dynamic, object-oriented language designed for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It offers a simpler way to write code compared to Java.

This tutorial shows you how to install Groovy, specifically version 4.0.1, on Ubuntu 22.04 and 20.04 LTS. You’ll use the system’s built-in tools to get it set up.

⚡ Quick Answer

Update your system with `sudo apt update`, install OpenJDK 8 with `sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk`, then install SDKMAN and Groovy using `curl -s get.sdkman.io | bash` followed by `sdk install groovy`.

Prepare Ubuntu

Prepare Ubuntu: The first step to install Apache Groovy is preparing your Ubuntu system. Updating your software ensures you have the latest versions and cleans out old files, making your system ready for new installations. After running the update commands, it’s a good idea to restart your computer.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt update
sudo apt dist-upgrade
sudo apt autoremove

Running the commands above will update and remove obsolete packages from your system. It’s also a good idea to reboot the server after running them.

Install OpenJDK 8

You need to install OpenJDK 8 on your Ubuntu system because Apache Groovy requires Java (the programming environment) to run. This command installs the necessary Java tools that Groovy depends on. After installation, you can check if Java is set up correctly by typing ‘java -version’ in your terminal.

For this tutorial, we’re going to install OpenJDK.

Run the following commands:

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt update
sudo apt-get install openjdk-8-jdk openjdk-8-doc

After installing Java, you can verify it by running the commands below:

💻Code
java -version

It should output something similar, as shown below:

💻Code
Output:
openjdk version "1.8.0_242"
OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_242-8u242-b08-0ubuntu3~18.04-b08)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.242-b08, mixed mode)

With Java installed and your system updated, you’re ready to install Apache Groovy.

Download Apache Groovy

Apache Groovy installation on Ubuntu requires SDKMAN (a tool for managing Software Development Kits). First, install the `curl` command-line tool if you do not have it. (`curl` is a tool for transferring data with URLs). Then, run the SDKMAN install script; this script downloads supporting software and prepares your Ubuntu system to install Groovy.

Run the following commands:

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt install curl
curl -s get.sdkman.io | bash

This command downloads any necessary supporting software (dependencies) and prepares your system for Groovy.

After a successful installation, you should get a similar message as shown below:

💻Code
Extract script archive…
Install scripts…
Set version to 5.7.4+362 …
Attempt update of interactive bash profile on regular UNIX…
Added sdkman init snippet to /home/richard/.bashrc
Attempt update of zsh profile…
Updated existing /home/richard/.zshrc
All done!
Please open a new terminal, or run the following in the existing one:
source "/home/richard/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"
Then issue the following command:
sdk help
Enjoy!!!

After running the previous commands, execute these to set the Groovy environment:

💻Code
source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"

Finally, run these commands to install Groovy.

💻Code
sdk install groovy

This installs Groovy and should display a similar message afterwards:

💻Code
==== BROADCAST =================================================================
2020-04-03: Grails 4.0.3 released on SDKMAN! #grailsfw
2020-04-03: Micronaut 1.3.4 released on SDKMAN! #micronautfw
* 2020-04-02: Micronaut 2.0.0.M2 released on SDKMAN! #micronautfw
Downloading: groovy 3.0.2
In progress…
############################################################################ 100.0%
Installing: groovy 3.0.2
Done installing!
Setting groovy 3.0.2 as default.

That completes the installation.

After installation, check Groovy’s version number.

💻Code
groovy -version

It should then display a similar line as shown below:

💻Code
Groovy Version: 3.0.2 JVM: 1.8.0_242 Vendor: Private Build OS: Linux

This is how to install Apache Groovy on Ubuntu.

To launch Groovy, run the command below:

💻Code
groovysh

That should open Groovy shell.

💻Code
Apr 05, 2020 5:10:31 PM java.util.prefs.FileSystemPreferences$1 run
INFO: Created user preferences directory.
Groovy Shell (3.0.2, JVM: 1.8.0_242)
Type ':help' or ':h' for help.
groovy:000>

Conclusion:

  • Installing Apache Groovy on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that enhances your development capabilities.
  • Groovy’s syntax is easy to learn, making it accessible for both new and experienced developers.
  • By integrating Groovy with Java, developers can create more dynamic applications and scripts.
  • Using Ubuntu as your operating system allows for efficient software management and installation.
  • The process involves updating your system, installing Java, and using a simple script to install Groovy.
  • After installation, you can easily access Groovy through the command line, enabling you to start developing right away.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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