RSSApache to Create Open Source Java
By David Worthington | Published May 9, 2005, 3:50 PM
In the absence of an offering from Sun, the Apache Foundation will begin a project to create open source Java for desktop computers called "Project Harmony." Citing broad community interest, the project will create a version of the Java 2, Standard Edition (J2SE) runtime platform that is compatible with Sun's Java.
The project is possible because Sun changed the licensing rules for J2SE 5.0 and liberalized the Java Community Process.
Project leads stressed that the project is not poised to compete with Sun, which has opposed efforts to open source Java due to legal considerations. Project Harmony will be compatible with Sun's standard specifications and compatibility will be ensured by licensing and testing with Sun's TCK, which is available free of cost to non-profits.
Apache's efforts will be monitored by a code auditing process that will make certain that legal problems do not occur. Developers from Kaffe and Classpath, makers of open source virtual machines, will contribute to Harmony.
Commenting on the project, Graham Hamilton, a Sun vice president, wrote in his Web blog, that "Apache have always been a strong supporter of the Java compatibility program and I'm glad to see that they are emphasizing that commitment to compatibility as part of the Harmony project. Compatibility is one of the bedrock values of the Java community."
"The licensing rules for J2SE 5.0 were carefully designed to allow independent, compatible open-source implementations of the J2SE specification," added Hamilton. "Personally, I am not entirely sure if the world really needs a second J2SE implementation, but at the same time I am also glad to see that all the effort we put into getting the rules and the licensing issues straightened out is actually proving useful!"
Sun has said that it will participate in the project in some way. The Apache Foundation welcomes the involvement of any interested parties and has encouraged dialog within the Java community.
What's wrong with gcj?
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hmm, I took a quick glace at http://gcc.gnu.org/java/ as i have never heard of it before... I'm not sure, does gcj have an interpreter along with its compiler? If not, maybe that's what apache is working on; If so, then there will be alternatives and may the best one be used most.
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it sure does!
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I love Apache :-) They create powerful software...
Help their project... "Donate your used car, truck, boat or RV to the Apache Software Foundation and we'll arrange to have it picked up free of charge. We accept most vehicles that are located in the United States, even if they don't run. Some restrictions may apply on older vehicles, though. It's easy and convenient, and you may be eligible for a tax deduction as well!"
http://www.apache.org/fo...ibuting.html#CarProgram
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Way to go Apache, They can only make things better if the standard of httpd is anything to go by
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Does this mean that Apache want to write their own complient virtual machine that will sit on the PC desktop (rather than sun's)?
If so why? (As in what would the benefits be etc)
Sorry - A little unlear about that...
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your question presumes that java and the java client are perfect. there's always room for improvement. speed, compatibility, availability, and possibility for extension, or easier licensing / bundling with OS's
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I am a big & very big fan of java. I really don't understand why The Apache Foundation should start yet another J2SE implementation considering Sun's J2SE is free, reliable, avaliable and have some decent features unless there are some political things happening under the covers from others ;-) ? I think, sun should move more towards open source java. I really appreciate Sun decision to get thier latest bits in Mustang as an open development. Well, lets us wait and see what new features can come of it. One thing you should understand is Java is free from Sun.. Can Microsoft give C# for free? Hell Nooooo! How many companies use Sun's java and make some good bucks?
The epilogue for my writing is that, Apache should think one more time about this decision. (period)
Just improve or put more resources to sun's java so it will be taken from one place and make a better product which is already free.
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I just wanted to react to the last comment that Java is free from Sun and about wether you can have or not C# without Microsoft messing around with it.
First of all, I don't clearly understand how to interpret this. Sun has always been the one to take descisions about Java evolution. How does that make Java free from Sun?
On the other hand, I don't like the idea of promoting Microsoft, I have always been wary about the threat they represent, but for once, you have to give the guys some credit with the .net platform. I mean both .net and C# have been standardized with the ECMA. Which has made it possible to effetively have C# without Microsoft, even more, to have C# and .net on Linux !. Googleize "Mono project" for more about this. The project is doing so well, that there are even plans to develop KDE with Mono.
I personally think it's a good thing Java gets open, even more knowing that is the guys from Apache that are going to work with it. But I fear differences are going to arise from separate implementations. Because let's face it, there are going to be signficant diferences: at some point Apache 's version will have better performances in some areas and in some others Sun will be performing better.
I fear this is going to complicate the task for decision takers about wich implementation to use and bring confusion... future will tell
http://www.open-news.net
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