SDKMAN is a command-line utility for installing, tracking, and managing multiple versions of software development kits on Unix systems. It functions as a software installer and environment manager that automates the downloading and configuration of development tools for Linux and macOS.
The tool enables the installation of parallel SDK versions on a single system and provides the capability to toggle between them to change the active environment for a shell session. It specifically facilitates the setup of Java development environments, including the management of various Java Development Kit versions.
The system manages software lifecycles by utilizing remote manifests for version metadata and employing symbolic links and environment variable modifications to handle version switching.