
Oracle and the Java Ecosystem
Oracle is making huge efforts to engage with the wider Java ecosystem, but challenges still remain.

Oracle is making huge efforts to engage with the wider Java ecosystem, but challenges still remain.

With the recent legal battle between Google and Oracle there is a renewed focus on the patent issues for Java and .NET. Tim Smith introduces the licenses offered by Oracle/Sun and Microsoft, with a focus on how they may affect third party implementation. Possible motivations for Google Android’s unique implementation are also covered.
In this interview, Google’s Josh Bloch shares his views on the open-source Java landscape as well as on the future of the Java language, including changes being implemented via Project Coin. Bloch also discusses support for multi-core in programming languages, support for multiple languages on the JVM, Java pain points and the “next big language.”
In the middle of this year, Oracle launched a new process called the JDK Enhancement Process, or JEP for short. What is it all about?
The Apache Harmony PMC initiated a vote earlier this week to begin the process of moving the codebase into the Apache Attic and disbanding the PMC. With 18 for and 2 against, the result will be that the Apache Harmony project will be wound up and placed in the Attic for posterity.
The OpenJDK Community Bylaws have been ratified, with 70 votes in favour, no votes against, and nine abstentions. 61 of the votes in favour were from Oracle employees.
Oracle has announced that the JavaSE 7 governing JSR (336) has passed the public review ballot. Google voted against the vote, Werner Keil abstained, and no vote was received from Credit Suisse. Many others adding their concerns regarding the ongoing licensing dispute between Sun/Oracle and Apache.
Mark Reinhold introduced the second public draft of the OpenJDK Community Bylaws last week, clearing the way for OpenJDK 8 projects to begin.
With Java 7 now feature complete, Oracle is asking for input from the community for the next release, scheduled for late 2012. We take a look at what is likely to be in, and the overall direction of travel for Java 8.