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If you use a lot of Java-based applications, then you may have heard about OpenJDK – but a lot of Java users fail to understand it and what it does. Because of this, Open JDK and its binaries are often overlooked. So if you want to learn more about Java’s OpenJDK and its Platform Binary, then this is the place for you.
OpenJDK is a free, open source implementation of the Java SE Platform Edition from Sun Microsystems. It was originally developed by Oracle Corporation in 2006 as part of their work on the Java Community Process (JCOP).
In 2008, Oracle released the first version of OpenJDK under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which allowed anyone to freely distribute and modify the code.
Since then, several other companies have joined the effort, including Azul Systems, IBM, Red Hat, SAP, SUSE Linux, and others. The current version of OpenJDK is 8u151.
The OpenJDK project has been around since 2007. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that they started releasing the Platform Binary. This binary is also known as the OpenJDK Runtime Environment or OJRE.
The reason why they call it a “runtime” environment is because it contains all the classes needed to run your programs. So when we talk about the runtime environment, we are talking about the JVM itself.
The OpenJDK Project also provides updates and bug fixes for the JVM called HotSpot. These updates are provided through the OpenJDK Development Kit (ODK).
ODK is a set of tools that help developers create and test new features and enhancements for the JVM.
OpenJDK works like any other JVM. You start with a class file (.class) and compile it using javac. Then you link the .class files together using ld. Finally, you execute the resulting executable.
The main difference between OpenJDK and other JVMs is that OpenJDK doesn’t ship with a standard library.
Instead, it relies on third party libraries such as Apache Harmony, Bouncy Castle, and many others. All these libraries are included in the ODK.
There are three main reasons why people choose to use OpenJDK instead of the proprietary JVMs offered by Oracle and other vendors: Security, Performance, and Licensing.
If you’re worried about security, then you should know that OpenJDK is based on the same technology used by Oracle’s own JVM. Therefore, there is no need to worry about having to install additional software to secure your system.
As mentioned earlier, OpenJDK relies heavily on third party libraries. Some of them are even licensed under the GPL license. This means that you don’t have to pay royalties to use them. On top of that, some of the libraries are written in native languages such as C++, C, and so on.
This makes them perform much better than Java-based implementations.
As long as you comply with the terms of the GPL, you can use OpenJDK without paying anything. If you do decide to go ahead and purchase a commercial license, you will be able to use the JDK and JRE in combination with the ODK.
No, but there are some problems that come with using OpenJDk. One common problem a lot of people experience when using OpenJDK Platform Binary is that it sometimes uses 100% CPU.
This can cause your computer to over-exert itself and slow down other important parts of your computer.
However, there is nothing that can be done about this issue as it is a part of the Java Code. Not all OpenJDK Platform Binary users experience this issue, but it may crop up from time to time.
