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RMS on Java and GPL

Posted by Hemos on from the the-prophet-speaks dept.

EmilEifrem writes "A JavaLobby member asked RMS [?] about his opinion on Java and GPL. Interesting, as always." I think my favorite quote is the intro: "It is strange to argue for ensuring compatibility in Java by keeping implementations non-free. Even if you accept the choice of values (compatibility above freedom) this idea is based on, which I don't, it simply won't do the job."

3 of 338 comments (clear)

  1. What's surprising is how long it's taking us. by Paul+Crowley · · Score: 5

    As is so often the case, RMS is right on the money. In many ways, what's most surprising is the way Sun have successfully stayed some way ahead of the free implementations in their commercial offering, especially in the class libraries: given what Java has to offer, you'd normally think we'd snap up the chance to create a free implementation. Perhaps dirty tricks like the SCSL have successfully divided us and our efforts.

    I look forward very much to the major release of Classpath he mentioned!
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  2. Re:There's a good debate on this... by Stiletto · · Score: 4

    Most of the pro-nonfree posters there Just Don't Get It.

    Opening up Java won't destroy the language. If anything it will make sure Java remains compatible across platforms by keeping the standard out of the hands of a single company (whether it be Microsoft or Sun).

    Many argue that the only reason RMS wants to free Java is so he can fork it. That's rubbish. The point of a free workalike implementation is to guarantee compatibility irrespective of a single company's shareholders' views.

    Take a look at the relationship between Mesa and OpenGL for an example. Although the Mesa project cannot use the word "OpenGL" (big deal), the project is most notable for the fact that it is for all intents and purposes API-compatible with OpenGL. I don't think we'd see Mesa diverging from OpenGL if it wants to maintain its base of develpoers and users.
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  3. There's a good debate on this... by AugstWest · · Score: 4

    ...going on over at JavaLobby, which is where I believe this was first posted.