OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK – Independent Review & Comparision

OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK. These are two of the most popular Java Development Kits (JDKs) available today. This article briefly overviews both, highlighting their differences and helping you make an informed decision. This article does not cover Java Licensing.

OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK – Understanding the differences

Oracle JDK – Java Development Kits

Before diving into the specifics of OpenJDK and Oracle JDK, it’s essential to understand what a Java Development Kit (JDK) is.

A Java Development Kit (JDK) is a software development environment for developing Java applications and applets. It includes the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), an interpreter/loader (java), a compiler (javac), an archiver (jar), a documentation generator (Javadoc), and other tools needed in Java development.

A JDK is an essential toolkit for Java developers and contains everything you need to write, compile, debug, and run Java applications and applets.

Introduction to OpenJDK and Oracle JDK

Now that we understand what a JDK is, let’s take a closer look at the two versions we’re focusing on: OpenJDK and Oracle JDK.

• OpenJDK: This is the official reference implementation of Java Standard Edition from Oracle. It’s completely open-source, which means its source code is freely available and can be inspected and modified by anyone. OpenJDK results from an effort from Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle) to open-source the official Java platform.
  
• Oracle JDK: This is a commercially supported product by Oracle. It’s based on the OpenJDK source code but includes additional commercial features. Oracle provides updates for Oracle JDK as part of a paid support subscription.

Understanding the differences between these two JDKs is crucial for Java developers, as it can impact the development process and the performance of the resulting applications. The following sections will delve deeper into these differences, giving you the knowledge to choose the right JDK for your needs.

Deep Dive into Oracle JDK

History and Development of Oracle JDK

Oracle JDK has a rich history that dates back to the inception of Java itself. Originally developed by Sun Microsystems, Java was acquired by Oracle Corporation in 2010. Oracle JDK is the commercially supported version of Java from Oracle. It’s based on the OpenJDK source code but includes additional commercial features.

Key Features and Advantages of Oracle JDK

Oracle JDK offers several key features and advantages that make it a popular choice among developers:

1. Commercial Support: Oracle provides updates for Oracle JDK as part of a paid support subscription, ensuring long-term support and stability for commercial applications.
   
2. Additional Tools: Oracle JDK includes some different tools not found in OpenJDK, such as the Java Flight Recorder and Java Mission Control, which can be helpful in profiling and monitoring applications.
   
3. Performance: Oracle JDK often includes performance enhancements and optimizations over OpenJDK, which can lead to better application performance.

Licensing and Commercial Use of Oracle JDK

Oracle JDK is free for personal and development use, but commercial use requires a paid subscription. This includes updates and support from Oracle, which can be crucial for businesses running critical applications.

Deep Dive into OpenJDK

History and Development of OpenJDK

OpenJDK, or the Open Java Development Kit, is a free and open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE). It was started by Sun Microsystems in 2006 and is now maintained by Oracle. OpenJDK is the official reference implementation of Java SE since version 7.

Key Features and Advantages of OpenJDK

OpenJDK also offers several key features and advantages:

1. Open Source: As an open-source project, OpenJDK’s source code is freely available and can be inspected and modified by anyone. This allows for a high degree of customization and flexibility.
   
2. Community Support: OpenJDK has a large and active community of developers contributing to its development and providing support.
   
3. Free for All Uses: OpenJDK is free for all uses, including commercial use. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce software costs.

Open Source Nature and Free Use of OpenJDK

OpenJDK is entirely open-source, which means its source code is freely available and can be inspected and modified by anyone. This open-source nature allows for a high degree of customization and flexibility. Moreover, OpenJDK is free for all uses, including commercial use, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce software costs.

Comparing OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK

When comparing Oracle JDK and OpenJDK, several key areas are to consider. These include performance, licensing, and community support.

Performance Comparison

Both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK offer robust performance for Java applications. However, Oracle JDK is often noted for its high performance, particularly in enterprise environments. On the other hand, OpenJDK offers comparable performance, making it a viable option for many use cases.

Licensing Comparison

Oracle JDK operates under a commercial license. While it is free for personal use and development, commercial use requires a paid license. Conversely, OpenJDK operates under a GPL license, making it free for all services, including commercial applications.

Community and Support Comparison

Oracle JDK comes with paid support, providing users access to professional assistance and regular updates. OpenJDK, being open source, relies on community support. This means that while there may not be a dedicated support team, a global community of developers actively maintains and improves the software.

Real-World Examples of Use Cases for Both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK

Oracle JDK is often used in enterprise environments where high performance is crucial, and the cost of a commercial license is justified. Examples include large-scale data processing, complex web applications, and high-traffic websites.

On the other hand, OpenJDK is commonly used when open-source and free use are beneficial. This includes small to medium-sized businesses, individual developers, open-source projects, and educational institutions.

Transitioning Between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK

Switching between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK is a decision that should be made carefully. It’s essential to consider factors such as the specific needs of your project, the resources available to you, and the potential impact on your workflow.

Potential challenges when transitioning might include compatibility issues, performance differences, and support changes. However, these can be overcome with careful planning, thorough testing, and migration tools and resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oracle JDK and OpenJDK have unique strengths and are suited to different situations. The key differences lie in their licensing, support, and performance. With its commercial license and paid support, Oracle JDK is often the choice for enterprise environments. On the other hand, with its GPL license and community support, OpenJDK is a popular choice for open-source projects and situations where cost is a significant factor.

Choosing between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK ultimately depends on your needs and circumstances. It’s essential to consider factors such as your project’s scale, budget, and support needs. Both JDKs offer robust performance and a wide range of features, so the best choice will depend on your unique situation.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about OpenJDK and Oracle JDK:

We hope this article has helped compare OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK. If you need help with Java licensing, contact Redress Compliance for expert help.