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OpenJDK

OpenJDK is the open-source community that develops the reference implementation of the Java SE Platform, led by Oracle with other contributors. Its code and Oracle's OpenJDK builds are licensed under GPLv2 with the Classpath Exception.

Licensing at a Glance

  • Open source
  • Freeware

  1. Oracle provides free, GPL-licensed, production-ready OpenJDK JDK binaries at jdk.java.net, while Oracle's commercially licensed JDK binaries are built from the same code.[1]

  2. The OpenJDK JDK 27 builds implement Java SE 27 under the GNU General Public License version 2 with the Classpath Exception.[2]

  3. The Classpath Exception lets independent modules be linked with designated library files to produce an executable, regardless of the licence terms of those modules.[3]

  4. The OpenJDK Lead and the Governing Board Chair are appointed by Oracle, and code contributors must sign the Oracle Contributor Agreement or an equivalent.[4]

Products

References

  1. OpenJDK · openjdk.org · retrieved 2026-09-27
  2. OpenJDK JDK 27 GA Release Builds · jdk.java.net · retrieved 2026-09-27
  3. OpenJDK: GPLv2 + Classpath Exception · openjdk.org · retrieved 2026-09-27
  4. OpenJDK Bylaws · openjdk.org · retrieved 2026-09-27
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