Differences Between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK

Java has been one of the most popular programming languages in the world for many years, and for good reason. It is versatile, reliable, and scalable, making it an excellent choice for developing everything from small mobile apps to large enterprise systems. However, when it comes to choosing a Java Development Kit (JDK) for your project, you may be wondering what the differences are between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK. In this article, we will explore the key differences between the two JDKs and help you make an informed decision on which one is right for your project.

What is Oracle JDK?

Oracle JDK is the official implementation of Java Standard Edition (Java SE), developed and maintained by Oracle Corporation. It is the original implementation of Java, and it includes all the features and components required to develop, run, and debug Java applications. Oracle JDK is available under a commercial license, which means that if you want to use it for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a license from Oracle.

What is OpenJDK?

OpenJDK, on the other hand, is an open-source implementation of Java SE, developed and maintained by the Java community. It is an alternative to Oracle JDK, and it includes all the features and components required to develop, run, and debug Java applications. OpenJDK is available under the GNU General Public License, which means that it is free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes.

Key Differences between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK

1. Licensing

One of the key differences between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK is the licensing. Oracle JDK is available under a commercial license, which means that if you want to use it for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a license from Oracle. OpenJDK, on the other hand, is available under the GNU General Public License, which means that it is free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes.

2. Support

Another important difference between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK is the support. Oracle provides commercial support for Oracle JDK, which includes bug fixes, security updates, and technical support. OpenJDK, on the other hand, is community-supported, which means that there is no formal support from any organization. However, many companies and individuals provide community support for OpenJDK, which includes bug fixes, security updates, and technical support.

3. Release Schedule

Oracle JDK and OpenJDK also have different release schedules. Oracle releases a new version of Oracle JDK every six months, and provides support for each version for at least three years. OpenJDK, on the other hand, is released by different vendors, each with its own release schedule. Some vendors release a new version of OpenJDK every six months, while others release it every few years. The length of support for each version of OpenJDK also varies depending on the vendor.

4. Features

While both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK include all the features and components required to develop, run, and debug Java applications, there are some differences in the implementation. Oracle JDK includes some proprietary features that are not available in OpenJDK, such as Java Flight Recorder and Java Mission Control. However, these features are available in OpenJDK if you use a build that includes them.

Which one should you choose?

Choosing between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you require commercial support, then Oracle JDK may be the better choice for you. If you are looking for a free and open-source alternative, then OpenJDK may be the better choice. It is also worth noting that some third-party vendors provide commercial support for OpenJDK, so you may be able to get the support you need without purchasing a license from Oracle.