Java has been a dominant programming language for decades, powering everything from enterprise-level applications to mobile devices and embedded systems. However, a common question developers and organizations ask today is: "Is Java free?" This question became more prominent after Oracle changed the licensing model of the Oracle JDK. To answer this question, it’s essential to understand the difference between OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK and how licensing affects cost, usage rights, and long-term strategy.
Is Java Really Free?
The answer depends on which Java Development Kit (JDK) you're using. Java, as a language and platform, remains open-source at its core. But the specific JDK distribution you use can come with different terms of use.
OpenJDK – The Free and Open-Source Option
OpenJDK (Open Java Development Kit) is the official reference implementation of the Java platform, maintained by a community of contributors, including Oracle, Red Hat, Amazon, and others. It is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) with a Classpath Exception, which makes it free to use, modify, and distribute in both personal and commercial settings.
So, if you're asking "is Java free?", and you're referring to OpenJDK, the answer is yes—with no strings attached. It is suitable for developers who want to avoid proprietary licenses and who are comfortable managing their own updates and support.
Oracle JDK – Not Always Free for Commercial Use
On the other hand, Oracle JDK was traditionally the most popular Java distribution. However, Oracle changed its licensing terms starting with Java 11. Under the Oracle No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) license, Oracle JDK is free for personal use, development, testing, and prototyping. But commercial use may require a paid license, especially for long-term support (LTS) and enterprise environments.
In January 2023, Oracle again revised the licensing for Oracle JDK to allow free use for all, including commercial users, under the NFTC license—but only for the latest version. Older versions or LTS versions might still require a subscription for continued support. So, while Java may appear free via Oracle JDK, the details matter significantly depending on your usage scenario.
OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK: What's the Difference?
At the technical level, OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK often leads to this follow-up: are they functionally the same? The short answer is: mostly yes, but with a few distinctions.
1. Source Code and Build Differences
OpenJDK is entirely open-source, and all its components are publicly available. Oracle JDK, while historically derived from OpenJDK, included some proprietary components such as advanced monitoring tools, better installers, and fonts. However, since Java 11, Oracle JDK has been built directly from OpenJDK with minimal proprietary additions.
2. Licensing and Support
As mentioned earlier, licensing is the most critical differentiator in the OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK comparison. OpenJDK is completely free and community-supported, while Oracle JDK may require a license for commercial use and offers professional support and updates.
Organizations that need stable, long-term support with predictable update schedules often prefer Oracle JDK, while startups and open-source projects lean toward OpenJDK to save on costs.
3. Performance and Features
For most applications, there is no significant performance difference between OpenJDK and Oracle JDK. Both versions undergo rigorous testing, and their codebases are nearly identical. However, Oracle JDK occasionally includes enterprise-grade tools or features not immediately available in OpenJDK, though the gap has significantly narrowed in recent years.
4. Update Frequency
OpenJDK receives updates on a six-month release cycle, which can be challenging for organizations requiring stability. Oracle JDK provides Long-Term Support (LTS) versions with security and performance patches for several years, making it more suitable for mission-critical applications.
Which One Should You Use?
Now that we’ve unpacked the nuances of OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK, which one is right for you? The decision depends on your use case:
Use OpenJDK if you are developing open-source software, working in a startup, or want to avoid licensing costs. It's a reliable, community-driven solution.
Use Oracle JDK if you need guaranteed long-term support, premium tools, or you're working in an enterprise that prefers vendor-backed software.
It’s also worth considering other distributions built on OpenJDK like Amazon Corretto, Adoptium (formerly AdoptOpenJDK), Red Hat OpenJDK, and Zulu by Azul Systems, which offer free distributions with varying levels of support.
Conclusion
To wrap it up: Is Java free? Yes—but it depends on the JDK you choose and how you plan to use it. OpenJDK is a fully free, open-source option suitable for most uses, while Oracle JDK may involve licensing costs, especially for long-term commercial support.
Understanding the OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK debate is crucial for developers and decision-makers alike. By evaluating your project’s needs, support requirements, and budget, you can choose the right Java distribution and avoid legal or financial surprises down the road.