Recent Posts by Donald Smith

After launching the OpenJDK Community as the place to collaborate on open source implementations of the Java SE Platform back in 2006, the next logical step was to make the Java SE TCK (JCK) available to those working in and contributing to OpenJDK.  Sun Microsystems did this via the “OpenJDK Community TCK License Agreement” (OCTLA), made available in 2007 with certified builds appearing in 2008.  Oracle continued and expanded on this program by releasing an OCTLA for Java SE...

And so, from hour to hour, we ripe and ripe.And then, from hour to hour, we rot and rot; And thereby hangs a tale. Shakespeare Successful software platforms and their surrounding ecosystems have a symbiotic relationship, with both positive and negative feedback cycles. As developers use a platform to build successful products that solve problems that could not as easily be solved before, the platform evolves over time to offer new features that make it a stronger fit for even...

Exec Summary Starting with Java 11, Oracle will provide JDK releases under the open source GNU General Public License v2, with the Classpath Exception (GPLv2+CPE), and under a commercial license for those using the Oracle JDK as part of an Oracle product or service, or who do not wish to use open source software.  This combination of using an open source license and a commercial license replaces the historical “BCL” license, which had a combination of free and paid commercial...

Earlier today, Oracle announced the introduction of the Oracle Java SE Subscription.  Simply put, you can now buy access to Java SE updates – including support from Oracle just as you would buy Linux updates and support from any distro provider.  Pricing is low and simple.  We are working to make it possible to subscribe online very soon, making it even simpler. This new offering does not change how developers will get and use Java SE from Oracle.  As announced last year,...

As work on Java SE 9 was winding down in early 2017, some contributors in the OpenJDK Community started wondering if there was a way to evolve the Java SE Platform and the JDK at a more rapid pace, so that new features could be delivered in timelier manner.  A JCP working group was established to consider how the Java Community Process could accommodate such a change. After further discussion amongst key contributors a plan was proposedand, in parallel, Oracle announced plans...

Starting with JDK 11, Oracle is making JavaFX easier to adopt by making the technology available as a separate download, decoupled from the JDK. These changes clear the way for new contributors to engage in the open source OpenJFX community. Meanwhile, Oracle customers can benefit from continued commercial support for JavaFX in the Oracle JDK 8 through at least 2022. JavaFX was publicly unveiled at JavaOne 2007. It was immediately compared with Adobe Flex and Microsoft...

Oracle has updated the Java SE Support Roadmap.  A more detailed white paper will follow shortly, but here are the key changes made: The public availability of Java SE 8 updates from Oracle has been extended to at least January 2019.  Moreover, Oracle will continue to provide consumers with updates for personal (non-corporate) use of Java SE 8 through at least the end of 2020. Oracle will continue to support Java SE 8 Web Start applications for public and personal...

Over the past years, Oracle has been working in the OpenJDK Community and the JCP to enable Java SE in general, and Oracle JDK in particular, to scale down to smaller devices. A first step was to introduce Compact Profiles to Java SE 8. This feature is available in Oracle Java SE 8 Embedded.  The next step was to introduce a module system to Java SE 9 through project Jigsaw.  Using the new jlink tool, a set of user-supplied modules and their runtime dependencies can...

Exec Summary: Oracle is proposing to increase the release cadence of Java SE to every six months Oracle will simplify how developers, customers, and consumers use Java SE Starting with JDK 9 GA Oracle plans to ship OpenJDK builds under the GPL Oracle has proposed a time-driven release model for Java SE instead of the historical feature-driven model Oracle JDK will contribute previously commercial features such as Java Flight Recorder to OpenJDK Oracle will work with other OpenJDK...