Get Started
Set up your environment and run a Helidon application
Quick Start
If you want to jump in and give Helidon a try make sure you satisfy the prerequisites. Then:
Create a project
Terminal
helidon init --batch -Dflavor=se -Dapp-type=quickstart
Build it
Terminal
cd quickstart-se; mvn clean install
Run it
Terminal
java -jar target/quickstart-se.jar
Try it
Terminal
curl http://localhost:8080/greet
Congratulations! 🎉 You now have a simple service up and running using Helidon.
- If you prefer to use MicroProfile APIs replace
sewithmpin the commands above. - If you prefer not to install the Helidon CLI you can use the Helidon Starter.
In More Detail
Helidon is a framework for developing microservices in Java. As such, you don’t install Helidon itself. Instead, you install the tools necessary to create an environment suitable for developing Helidon projects and applications.
System Requirements
You must have Java and Maven installed on your system to use Helidon.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Java 21 (Open JDK 21) | Helidon requires Java 21+ (25+ recommended). |
| Maven 3.8+ | Helidon requires Maven 3.8+. |
Most of Helidon's examples use Maven, but Helidon can also be used with
Gradle.
Verify System Requirements:
Terminal
java -version
mvn --version
Setting JAVA_HOME
Make sure you set the JAVA_HOME environment variable.
# Enter the appropriate path to your JDK
export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/jdk-25
# Enter the appropriate path to your JDK
export JAVA_HOME=`/usr/libexec/java_home -v 25`
# Enter the appropriate path to your JDK
setx JAVA_HOME=C:\\PROGRA~1\\Java\\jdk-25
Next Steps
Now that your environment is set up, you can get started with Helidon. Try out the Quick Start guides to build your first Helidon project and application:
Compare Helidon MP and Helidon SE
to understand the differences between Helidon MP and Helidon SE.