Meaning of Java Open Source??

[Matt]

I have heard that Sun may open source Java. I don't quite understand
what does it mean
because when we install Java SDK, we get the source code of library
too. I tried
to search more info. on Sun's site, but unsuccessful.

Please advise, and share some related pointers. thanks!!

 

[Gregory Toomey]

I have heard that Sun may open source Java. I don't quite understand
what does it mean
because when we install Java SDK, we get the source code of library
too. I tried
to search more info. on Sun's site, but unsuccessful.

Please advise, and share some related pointers. thanks!!

It means to place it under the GPL (General Public Licence) or similar.

For example, Sun now controls the syntax. If its under the GPL anybody could
extend or change the syntax, create new libraries, etc.


gtoomey

 

[Michael Borgwardt]

I have heard that Sun may open source Java. I don't quite understand
what does it mean
because when we install Java SDK, we get the source code of library
too.

Read the license:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/j2sdk-1_4_2_05-license.txt

"Open Source" doesn't just mean you get a peek at the source code,
it also means you're allowed to change it and distribute such changed
versions. Sun's license explicitly forbids that.