[java] Differences between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK

For Java 8, Oracle JDK vs. OpenJDK my take of key differences:

  • OpenJDK is an open source implementation of the Java Standard Edition platform with contribution from Oracle and the open Java community.

  • OpenJDK is released under license GPL v2 wherein Oracle JDK is licensed under Oracle Binary Code License Agreement.

  • Actually, Oracle JDK’s build process builds from OpenJDK source code. So there is no major technical difference between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK. Apart from the base code, Oracle JDK includes, Oracle’s implementation of Java Plugin and Java WebStart. It also includes third-party closed source and open source components like graphics rasterizer and Rhino respectively. OpenJDK Font Renderer and Oracle JDK Flight Recorder are the noticeable major differences between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK.

  • Rockit was the Oracle’s JVM and from Java SE 7, HotSpot and JRockit merged into a single JVM. So now we have only the merged HotSpot JVM available.
  • There are instances where people claim that they had issues while running OpenJDK and that got solved when switched over to Oracle JDK.
  • Twitter has its own JDK.
  • Software like Minecraft expects Oracle JDK to be used. In fact, warns.

For a full list of differences please see the source article: Oracle JDK vs OpenJDK and Java JDK Development Process