To Avoid Confusion: Oracle's Confusing New Java Numbering Scheme

twofishy writes "'To avoid the confusion caused by renumbering releases,' Oracle has announced that it is adopting a new numbering scheme for JDK 5.0, JDK 6 and JDK 7. 'The next Limited Update for JDK 7 will be numbered 7u40, and the next 3 CPUs after that will be numbered 7u45, 7u51, and 7u55." The vendor notes that a more elegant solution would require the changing of the version numbering scheme to accommodate different kinds of changes (for example by using 7u44-2 ). However this cannot be implemented outside of a major release, since doing so might break existing code that parses version strings (possibly including the Java auto-update system)" Here's Oracle's announcement.

Comments

Just like line numbers in BASIC

[Errol backfiring]

You know, to be able to insert something between two existing lines.

IQ

[rossdee]

Mensa can use this as a 'What is the next number in the sequence' for their IQ test.

Re:IQ

[SJHillman]

I hear Mensa is planning on using the Microsoft Copy dialog instead.

"You have 4 minutes left, then 3 minutes, then 29 minutes, then 1800 years, then 32 seconds, then potato. What is the next number in the sequence?"

Re:IQ

[riT-k0MA]

"Insufficient Disk Space"

Re:IQ

[Barefoot Monkey]

That's easy. The next number in the sequence is (not responding).

Re:IQ

[ArcadeMan]

"You have 4 minutes left, then 3 minutes, then 29 minutes, then 1800 years, then 32 seconds, then potato. What is the next number in the sequence?"

A blue screen.

Re:CPU=Critical Patch Update

[DickBreath]

> An absurd TLA overloading.

To be more concise, simply say: ATO. (ATO = Absurd TLA Overloading.)

Re:Why not copy MS and have 2 ver numbers

[ArcadeMan]

Who would be stupid enough to check for the OS version that way? It should have been something like:

if ( ( MajorVersion * 10 ) + MinorVersion >= 51 )
{
}

Re:CPU=Critical Patch Update

[Anonymous Coward]

critical update needed today

Re:CPU=Critical Patch Update

[chinton]

That's like overriding toString() to format your hard-drive.

Re:Why Does Name Matter?

[LordLimecat]

Because the old numbering system of incrementing by 1 was far too complicated. The new system is much easier to understand:

* Limited Update releases will be numbered in multiples of 20.
  * We intend for Critical Patch Updates to continue to use odd numbers. The numbers will be calculated by adding multiples of five to the prior Limited Update and when needed adding one to keep the resulting number odd.
  * Updates containing Norton instead of McAfee will be prime numbers
  * If an update actually contains intentional regressions, it will end in a 9. We recommend you do not install these updates.
  * If the update number is a prime but also a member of the fibonacci sequence, it is considered a "surprise" update: It will be automatically installed, and will contain 1 or more undesirable features. It may also install the ask toolbar.

Obviously this system is far superior.

Re:CPU=Critical Patch Update

[Tackhead]

Its not like they could have just said Critical update patch...oh no, we need to make things confusing.

What happens when admins get confused and pour the contents of their beverage containers into their servers?

We apologize for the confusion in the Critical Patch Updates. The individuals responsible have been sacked. To avoid further confusion, all CPUs will be processed through CUPS, the Critical Update Patch Server.

And now the goddamn printer doesn't work.

Re:CPU=Critical Patch Update

[Anonymous Coward]

No 3 letter acronym is unique. At best, it's unique in the domain you are currently working in.

Well this one sure as hell fails that test!