Is Java SE 21 free?

Hardy 93 Published: 09/20/2024

Is Java SE 21 free?

I'm happy to respond in English for you!

Java SE (Standard Edition) is a programming platform developed by Oracle Corporation, and it's not entirely free. Here's what you need to know:

Oracle Java SE Licenses

Java SE comes with two primary licenses: the Oracle Binary Code License Agreement (BCLA) and the GNU General Public License (GPL). The BCLA governs the use of the Java SE binary code, while the GPL applies to the OpenJDK project, which is an open-source implementation of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Java SE 21: Is it Free?

As of my knowledge cutoff in December 2021, Oracle has not officially released Java SE 21. The latest version available as of this writing is Java SE 17.

Now, regarding the cost:

Oracle's Commercial License: To use the official Java SE binaries (i.e., the "Oracle"-branded ones), you need to purchase a commercial license from Oracle. This typically involves paying an annual fee or acquiring a one-time license. OpenJDK and Open Source: The OpenJDK project, which is based on the original Sun Microsystems' Java implementation, offers an open-source alternative to Oracle's commercial Java SE binaries. As an open-source project, you can use OpenJDK without any licensing fees. However, keep in mind that OpenJDK might not offer the same level of support or bug fixes as Oracle's commercial offerings. Free and Open-Source Alternatives: If you're looking for free alternatives to Java SE, there are other options available, such as: Kotlin (developed by JetBrains) - a modern programming language that can run on the JVM. Groovy (developed by the Apache Software Foundation) - a scripting language that runs on the JVM. Scala (developed by Martin Odersky and his team) - a statically typed language that runs on the JVM.

In summary, while Java SE itself is not entirely free, there are open-source alternatives available, such as OpenJDK or free programming languages like Kotlin, Groovy, or Scala. If you need to use the official Oracle Java SE binaries, you'll need to purchase a commercial license.

Is Java 21 production ready?

Java has reached a significant milestone with the release of Java 17 (not 21) on July 20, 2022, which is considered a Long-Term Support (LTS) release. This means that Java 17 will receive extended support for at least three years from its initial release date.

While there isn't an official "production-ready" designation for Java versions, the LTS release indicates that Oracle, the primary sponsor of the Java language and platform, has thoroughly tested and validated Java 17 to ensure it meets the necessary standards for widespread adoption in production environments.

Java 17, codenamed "Mistral," brings numerous improvements and features. Some notable enhancements include:

Garbage Collection (GC): Java 17 includes several GC-related improvements, such as a new, low-pause garbage collector for C2 and Shenandoah collectors. Security: The release addresses several security vulnerabilities and provides additional security features, like improved SSL/TLS support and enhanced cryptography. Performance: Java 17 includes various performance optimizations, including enhancements to the HotSpot Virtual Machine (JVM) and improvements in the Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler. Compatibility: The release maintains backward compatibility with previous Java versions, ensuring that existing applications will continue to work without modifications. New Features: Java 17 introduces new features like pattern matching for instanceof, records, and sealed types.

While it's true that Java 21 has not been released, the progress made in recent years demonstrates Oracle's commitment to continuous improvement and enhancement of the Java language and platform. If you're currently using earlier versions of Java (e.g., Java 11 or Java 14), I would recommend considering upgrading to Java 17 for the benefits it offers.

Keep in mind that Java is a constantly evolving platform, with new features and enhancements added regularly. The next LTS release, expected to be Java 20, is already in the works. If you're not yet ready to adopt Java 17, it's crucial to stay informed about upcoming releases and their associated benefits.

Remember, when it comes to production-ready environments, the choice of Java version depends on your specific needs, requirements, and constraints. Always evaluate the features, performance, and security implications before deciding which Java release is suitable for your project.