When creating a new Flutter app, you might encounter compatibility issues between the Java Development Kit (JDK) version and the Gradle version used in your project. Here’s how to address this and ensure a smooth setup

Issue Overview

You may encounter the following message:

The configured version of Java detected may conflict with the Gradle version in your new Flutter app.

This occurs because the default Android Gradle Plugin (AGP) version requires a specific Java version to work correctly. For example, Gradle version 8.3 requires Java versions in the range:

Java 17 <= compatible Java version < Java 21

If your system is using an incompatible Java version, you need to either:

1. Configure Flutter to use a compatible Java version, or
2. Update the Gradle version in your project to match your current Java version.

Solution 1: Configure Flutter to Use a Compatible Java Version

To resolve this issue, you can specify a compatible JDK version for Flutter. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Installed Java Versions

Run the following command to list all installed Java versions on your system:

/usr/libexec/java_home -V

Example output:

Matching Java Virtual Machines (3):
    17.0.8 (arm64) “Oracle Corporation” - “/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-17.jdk/Contents/Home”
    20.0.2 (arm64) “Oracle Corporation” - “/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-20.jdk/Contents/Home”
    11.0.19 (arm64) “Oracle Corporation” - “/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-11.jdk/Contents/Home”

Step 2: Choose a Compatible Java Version

Select a Java version compatible with Gradle 8.3. For instance, Java 17 is a good choice. Note its path, e.g.:

/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-17.jdk/Contents/Home

Step 3: Configure Flutter to Use the Chosen Java Version

Run this command to configure Flutter:

flutter config --jdk-dir=/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-17.jdk/Contents/Home

Step 4: Verify Configuration

To ensure Flutter is using the specified JDK, run:

flutter doctor

Look for the following line in the output:

[!] Android toolchain - develop for Android devices (Android SDK version X.X.X)
    JDK location: /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-17.jdk/Contents/Home

If it matches the path you set, the configuration is successful.

Solution 2: Update Gradle Version

If you prefer to use your currently configured Java version, you’ll need to update the Gradle version in your Flutter project.

Step 1: Modify gradle-wrapper.properties

Navigate to the gradle-wrapper.properties file in your project directory:

/Users/javeedishaq/devwork/demoapp327/android/gradle/wrapper/gradle-wrapper.properties

Update the Gradle version to one that is compatible with your Java version (e.g., Gradle 8.4 to 8.7).

Example:

distributionUrl=https\://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-8.7-bin.zip

Step 2: Update Gradle Wrapper

Alternatively, you can use the Gradle Wrapper command to update the version:

./gradlew wrapper --gradle-version=8.7

Step 3: Verify the Update

Run the project again to confirm that the Gradle and Java versions are compatible:

flutter run

Additional Resources

• Gradle and Java Compatibility Guide
• Upgrading the Gradle Wrapper

By following these steps, you can resolve Java and Gradle compatibility issues effectively and continue developing your Flutter app without interruptions.