Sun Lowers Barriers to Open-Source Java 144
Shyane writes "Sun Microsystems is making it easier for open-source programmers to ensure their Java versions meet the company's compatibility requirements, but the deal extends only to those involved in Sun's own open-source Java project. The program grants access to its Java Technology Compatibility Kit to anyone with an open-source Java project that is based substantially on Sun's open-source Java software and governed by the GPL. Programmers need access to the test kit to prove that a project is in compliance with the Java specification. Projects that pass Sun's compatibility kit tests also can use the official Java logos for free."
Openness! (Score:3, Informative)
Seriously, I was pissed when I found out just how bad Java support is for Linux PPC. I couldn't get an iMac to go to Yahoo! games for my grandma.
Now all we need is cross-platform Flash.
Re:So what about gcj? (Score:5, Informative)
Other GNU Classpath developers working for Red Hat were very quick to produce a version of OpenJDK using pieces of Classpath to fill the wholes of "encumbered" components that havent been open sourced (like the font, graphics and sound engines that were licensed by Sun by 3rd parties). This is called IceTea. Though its more of a quick 'n dirty temporary project to have a completely GPL JDK right now until the holes can be plugged properly. For example, Sun released a more sophistated FreeType based font engine this week, and the rest of the holes will eventually be filled. But for now, IceTea is a great playground for experimentation. And as far as I can tell, Red Hat wants to contribute anything useful back in OpenJDK.
You might that the GNU Classpath guys would be dissapointed, feeling that their hard work is obsolete, but no, they're happy because they know they were a big part of the reason why OpenJDK exists, and they're looking forward to contributing.
Re:Openness! (Score:4, Informative)
Re:don't need this (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Java Programmers == Typists (Score:2, Informative)
a) it loads and validates a fuck load of classes at startup (although the preverified core classes can be cached)
b) it starts running in interpreted mode.
matfud
Re:Java Programmers == Typists (Score:4, Informative)
Simple. It's a stub. Typing "java -cp tools.jar com.sun.tools.javac.Main" all the time isn't very convenient, so Sun provides executables that load the JVM and execute the compiler. If you look in your JDK installation directory, you can find the tools.jar file in the "lib" subdirectory. You can try running it from that directory as above, or look inside the zip file for the mindblowing (eye roll) Java class files for the compiler.
Perfect example of someone who didn't read or take the time to understand. The Jalapeno VM and JNode OS are both written in pure Java. They used their own JIT compiler to compile themselves into native code. That native code is a Java program that runs on the native platform.
Python is not compiled. Perl is not compiled. Javascript is not compiled. These languages are read in, line by line, and executed. You fail it.
This is CS101 stuff we're talking about here. How badly can you fail it?