Oracle JDKs vs Open JDKs

Oracle JDKs vs Open JDKs

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Oracle JDK (Java Development Kit) and OpenJDK (Open Java Development Kit) are two different implementations of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE). Both are widely used, but there are some differences between them. Here's an overview:

Oracle JDK:

Licensing:

Historically, Oracle JDK had a more restrictive commercial license for use in production environments. Users were required to pay for support services. However, Oracle has made changes to its licensing model, and as of Java 11, they have introduced a new subscription-based model for long-term support (LTS) releases.

Commercial Features:

Oracle JDK may include additional commercial features and tools that are not present in the OpenJDK builds. Some of these features are targeted at enterprise customers.

Updates and Patches:

Oracle JDK releases may receive commercial support and updates for a longer period, especially for LTS releases. Users who require extended support for specific versions may opt for Oracle JDK subscriptions.

JVM Flight Recorder (JFR) and Mission Control:

Certain diagnostic and monitoring tools, such as Java Flight Recorder (JFR) and Java Mission Control, were historically provided as part of the Oracle JDK. However, with Java 11 and later, JFR is available in OpenJDK builds as well.

OpenJDK:

Open Source:

OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform and is released under an open-source license (GNU General Public License, version 2, with the Classpath Exception). This makes it freely available for commercial and non-commercial use without licensing fees.

Community-Driven Development:

OpenJDK development is community-driven, and it serves as the reference implementation of the Java Platform. It benefits from contributions from individuals, organizations, and other vendors, promoting transparency and collaboration.

No Commercial Support from Oracle:

Oracle provides commercial support for Oracle JDK but does not provide the same level of support for OpenJDK. Organizations that require commercial support for OpenJDK may turn to third-party vendors that offer such services.

Availability on Package Managers:

OpenJDK builds are often available through package managers on various operating systems, making it convenient for developers to install and manage Java versions.

Commonalities:

Compatibility:

Both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK are designed to be compatible with each other. They should behave similarly, and applications developed on one should run on the other.

Java Specification Requests (JSRs):

Both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK conform to the Java Specification Requests (JSRs) that define the specifications for each Java version.

Tooling and Libraries:

Both implementations share the same set of core Java libraries, tools, and utilities. The differences primarily lie in certain commercial features and support offerings.

In summary, the choice between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK depends on factors such as licensing requirements, the need for commercial support, and specific features. Many organizations and developers choose OpenJDK for its open-source nature, while others may opt for Oracle JDK for its additional commercial features and support offerings. The landscape is evolving, and users should check the most recent licensing and support details from Oracle and other vendors.