CODEWITHSUNDEEP
java
Kishore Vignesh
Kishore Vignesh

Reputation: 141

Why do we have two versions of Java?

Why do we have two versions of Java ?

  1. The jdk from Oracle and the one from OpenJDK.
  2. And why is it that OpenJDK is available only for Linux ?
  3. And on Wikipedia,I find that Java is open source .But ,I find a copyright information inside the Oracles JDK saying everything restricted ???

Upvotes: 6

Views: 924

Answers (2)

kaqqao
kaqqao

Reputation: 15429

There are many java distributions. Oracle JDK is just the reference one, but others like Open JDK exist. IBM has its own, for example. While they all share the mandatory set of features, each one goes beyond that and implement their own proprietary set. Parts of Oracle JDK are not open source and it requires licensing for embedded devices, and this is why Open JDK exists - to provide a fully free Java implementation. Now, Java, as in "the spec" is open source and most of Oracle JDK is as well. Other companies are allowed to make their own implementations as long they pass Oracle's test that certify compatibility. Still, Oracle owns the Java trademark and I think the ability to certify other implementations. Somewhere there lies in the dispute with Google and their Java implementation (same with now defunct Apache Harmony). As for the Open JDK on Windows, it can be done by building the sources (like this guy here did). The binaries do not exists probably because there was no demand. It's only Linux that imposes limitations on proprietary software.

Upvotes: 2

Lucas
Lucas

Reputation: 3281

  1. Open JDK is trying to reinvent the wheel by giving you freedom of choice (you can use cool OpenJDK JVM or the mainstream Oracle one)

  2. If something is that cool OBVIOUSLY it's only for linux

  3. that question is out of SO scope, besides I'm not sure myself...

Upvotes: 5

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