Is Java SE still GPL?

java oracle licensing gpl base-class-library
user295190 picture user295190 · Jan 21, 2011 · Viewed 7.3k times · Source

Is Java SE still open source? Can Oracle change the licensing after its been dedicated to GPL?

However, on the Oracle Java FAQ it states that it is Binary Code Licence.

"Sun begins releasing Java under the GPL"

-Free Software Foundation

"The adoption of the GPL v2 license for Sun's Java SE (JDK) and Java ME implementations, and adding this license to Sun's Java EE implementation."

-James Gosling

Yet on the Java FAQ page it states:

  1. Q: Is Java technology free? Where can I get information on licensing? A: Java SE continues to be available under the Sun Binary Code License (BCL) with no additional cost for its use in general purpose computing. The Java technology support and EOL roadmap provides more information. Java for Business binaries are provided under separate licensing terms. A summary of the Java SE and Java for Business licensing terms is provided below

-Oracle

If they can change the license does it retroactively effect all released source?

Answer

nos picture nos · Jan 21, 2011

Is Java SE still open source?

OpenJDK is the GPL'ed "edition" of Java SE. Oracle (as did Sun), provided their own release, under a different license, and other more or less small differences.

Can Oracle change the licensing after its been dedicated to GPL?

Yes, they can change the license of the pieces in OpenJDK they own the copyright of (likely the better part of it), but not retroactivly. The GPL'ed versions that's out now can't be changed.

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