Frequently Asked Questions about the Java(tm) Developers Kit 1.0 Source Release

Q:

What is being released?

A:

We are currently releasing the sources for the 1.0 binary release of the Java(tm) Developers Kit for Solaris 2.3/2.4/2.5 for SPARC, and Windows NT and Windows 95 for Win32 platforms.

Please do not send mail asking about the availability of other ports. As ports are made available they will be announced on our web pages, and in the java-announce mailing list (see our mailing list page for more info).

Q:

Why would I want the Source Release?

A:

The source release does not offer any additional functionality over the binary release, does not work work on any other platforms, and is substantially less convenient than the binary release. For most people, the binary release is the best way to get Java and HotJava.

However, there are a number of reasons why making the sources available is a good idea: It allows educational and nonprofit institutions to learn about how the system works, it allows companies whose policies don't allow them to import binaries from the network to inspect, build, and use Java, and it enables people to port Java to different platforms for internal use. It also allows people to search for security loopholes.

Q:

Why are you releasing source for SPARC/Solaris and Win32 only? Don't you know the world wants a port to the XYZ machine/operating system?

A:

By now we have heard compelling reasons why every platform you can imagine is the most important one to port to right away. Unfortunately with limited resources we can only afford to put so much effort into porting lest new development suffer.

If you are interested in learning about other ports, you should check the current state of other porting efforts on the porting page and consider joining the java-porting mailing list (see our mailing list page).

Q:

What are the terms and conditions of the 1.0 source release?

A:

The most significant condition says the source code IS NOT public domain. You are free to modify and use the sources internally. You are NOT free to redistribute any of the sources. If you redistribute the binaries of a port there are some rights granted back to Sun. If you want to make money by distributing the sources or a binary built from these sources then you need to obtain a commercial license from Sun. You do not need our permission or any license to create or distribute Applets or Java programs that you write yourself.

Again, the actual source license agreement is the final statement on licensing and distribution.

Q:

May I redistribute the sources to third parties?

A:

No. We are interested in who has the sources and why. So if someone asks you for a copy of the sources obtained from us under the Source License Agreement you should send them to us, and to these Web pages.

Q:

If I can't redistribute sources, how can I collaborate with others?

A:

It is important that people acquire full source releases through us. However, we explicitly permit interchange of source modifications or diffs between parties each of which are in possession of legitimately acquired copies of the source release. To do otherwise would be counterproductive. It should be easy to tell the difference between a source release and modifications to a source release.

For example, most of the Java system is common code that should not need modification as part of a port or extension. You shouldn't have reason to distribute such common code to someone who already has a source release. The code that you are likely to change in collaborative pursuit of a port is a smallish subset of all the sources. For someone without a full source release to use it with, such code doesn't have much value.

Q:

Why don't you just put the sources out there for anonymous ftp and be done with it? Why the extra step?

A:

Our lawyers tell us that in order to ensure compatibility and protect Sun's intellectual property rights we need to have written acknowledgment that that people who get the source have agreed to abide by the terms and conditions set forth in the source code agreement.

There are also good technical reasons for maintaining some control over the evolution of the language and runtime system.

Copyright © 1995 Sun Microsystems, Inc., 2550 Garcia Ave., Mtn. View, CA 94043-1100 USA. All rights reserved. For Java technical support, see the newsgroup comp.lang.java or send mail to java@java.sun.com. For problems with this web site, send mail to webmaster@java.sun.com.