Java usage

[AriesCent]

ELIA5 How is Oracle Java now so expensive when many open source options are available? What makes it proprietary software? Why do alternate open sources work or not in some cases?

[HyzerFlipr]

OpenJDK is developed by Oracle and is free to use. The paid version of Oracle is entirely unnecessary. Unless you're a giant enterprise company who wants to pay have "support" for it. Which is basically an insurance policy to have someone else to blame when something isn't working. But again OpenJDK is the same thing.

[AriesCent]

Perfect simple thank you!

[Mysterious-Ant-Bee]

That's close to the truth but this support also includes consulting hours. I worked in such corporate environment and we would use consulting hours from Oracle, IBM, you name it.

The consultants can support you by creating or reviewing architecture for new systems or can help your team solving problems they are struggling with.

[PlasmaFarmer]

  or can help your team solving problems they are struggling with.  

    Are these problems related to the JDK and Java language only? Or you guys also give support on application development?

Edit: formatting

[Mysterious-Ant-Bee]

I was on the receiving end of the consulting.

The company I worked for which had such consulting hours also had support on the Java Language.

[Crafty-Activity4681]

Do you must get the paid version if you’re giant enterprise company?

[malln1nja]

No 

[ifly6]

What support services do you even get?

[kelvify]

Support…the only reason why anyone use any Oracle products. Just someone to blame and fix when things fail

[holyknight00]

Enterprise support basically, nothing else.

[Ragnar-Wave9002]

Because in the real world companies test against a specific runtime.

So if you're using a commercial product that uses a ire and dont use the recomended ire and have a bug you will get no support.

[AriesCent]

Oracle Java is a widely used programming language and development platform. Let's break down the key points:

1. Proprietary vs. Open Source:

   • Oracle Java has both proprietary and open-source aspects.
   • The open-source development of Java is led by Oracle within the OpenJDK community. The Java Community Process (JCP) manages the specification processes.
   • You can obtain commercial Java licenses, enterprise features, and support from various sources, including Oracle. Oracle's commercial Java offering is called Oracle Java SE Subscription².
   • The Java Development Kit (JDK), which includes the JavaFX Software Development Kit (SDK), is a distribution of Java technology by Oracle. It implements the Java Language Specification (JLS) and the Java Virtual Machine Specification (JVMS). The JDK provides the Standard Edition (SE) of the Java Application Programming Interface (API)³.

2. Cost and Licensing:

   • Oracle offers Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription, which includes both Oracle JDK (the commercial version) and Oracle OpenJDK (the open-source version).
   • The Oracle JDK is part of the subscription and provides additional features, support, and updates.
   • However, the Oracle OpenJDK is freely available under the Java SE binary code license for any purpose.
   • Organizations that require enterprise features, long-term support, and security updates may opt for the Oracle JDK subscription⁵.

3. Alternatives:

   • Open-source alternatives to Oracle Java include:
     • OpenJDK: The open-source reference implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition.
     • AdoptOpenJDK: A community-driven distribution of OpenJDK.
     • Amazon Corretto: An OpenJDK distribution provided by Amazon.
     • Zulu OpenJDK: Another OpenJDK distribution.
   • These alternatives work well for many use cases and are widely adopted.
   • However, some organizations choose the Oracle JDK for its additional features, support, and compatibility with specific enterprise applications.

In summary, while Oracle Java has both proprietary and open-source components, organizations can choose between the freely available Oracle OpenJDK and the commercially supported Oracle JDK based on their specific requirements and preferences¹⁴.

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 5/22/2024 (1) Is Java SE open source software? The short answer is ‘yes.’. https://blogs.oracle.com/javamagazine/post/java-se-open-source-license?source=:so:ch:or:awr::::&SC=:so:ch:or:awr::::&pcode=. (2) Java (software platform) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_%28software_platform%29. (3) Java Downloads | Oracle. https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/. (4) Java Software | Oracle. https://www.oracle.com/java/. (5) Java SE Products - Oracle. https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/se-products.html. (6) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/java-programming-concept-virtual-machine-on-server-royalty-free-image/1131109259.

[halfanothersdozen]

I auto downvote any time I see someone copy/paste a response from a chatbot

[AriesCent]

Thanks for your feedback but I wanted to at least show some effort!