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Sun Liberates Java! (GPL v2)

Sun open sources Java.

Sun released Java code under GPL v2, making Java a lot more accessible to coders. IT experts also expect instant Java-Linux bundle.

Those interested can look up Java ME and Java SE on the Java website.

Coders using Java SE can opt not the use the GPL license, but any license they see fit for the programs they code, according to Rich Green, Sun's executive vice president of software:

"In the case of Java SE (Java Standard Edition), we're enhancing (the GPL) with the classpath exception. So when you're working on top or shipping applications with the (Java) libraries and virtual machine, you're not affected by the Java license."

This move comes after Sun's initial support to the open source community by releasing Java Platform Enterprise Edition in the GlassFish project.

Rich Green, Sun's executive vice president of software:

"This is a milestone for the whole industry. Not only are we making an influential and widely used software platform for the Web available under an open-source license, it also underscores Sun's commitment to changing the whole industry model for how software is enhanced and developed."

The object-oriented Java was created by Sun in the 1990s. Java apps are compiled to bytecode, to be interpreted at runtime. The primary goals in mind when creating Java language were using object-oriented programming, allowing the same program to run on multiple OS, having built-in networking support, safely and remotely code running.