J2SE 5.0 Source Code Bundles Now Available

madcowbrit writes "J2SE 5.0 Source code bundles are now available with SCSL and the new and exciting Java Research license! Coders have been asking for Java J2SE source code access under new terms. The new Java Research license gives people more access and options to work with the Java J2SE source code."

Comments

I STAND CORRECTED!!!

[molarmass192]

The binaries are only fonts, sounds, and icons ... you DO get all the source code. I'm friggen impressed now!

Re:The big question is ...

[carnivore302]

At the same time, the free software community won't be able to complain any more, since they'll just look like arrogant whiners

And rightfully so. Don't forget Sun has invested a lot of both time and money into java. Frankly, I am surprised they go as far as they do now. From the license faq:

12. Am I required to keep my research "java compatible?"

No. The license encourages you to innovate and experiment using the java technology core. It is expected that research implementations will not be compatible with the Reference Implementation from Sun. This is ok.

13. Can I publish my source code at a conference, and in white papers?

Yes, you may publish your work in the usually accepted academic manner as long as you reference the Java Research License and include the correct copyright information.

14. Can I share my modifications with other researchers?

Yes, provided that the other researchers have accepted the JRL.

I might not be your regular open source hippy, but I feel that anyone that has taken the time to create software or whatever has the right to define the terms upon how it is used. Sure, the community has given a lot back. Some (can't find the link, but it was mentioned on slashdot some time ago) even argue that if it weren't for this Sun would be out of business by now. So it's a bit of giving and a bit of taking. This seems like a great gesture from Sun.