The Much Talked About Free Java License Is Here

Key takeaways

The Free Java License offers the same software as before, now distributed under a different licence for clarity.

Oracle aims to address community requests for a trusted version of the Java Development Kit with the release of Java 17.

Oracle will support JDK LTS releases for a year after new versions, providing more flexibility for upgrades.

The Oracle Java SE subscription remains cost-free while providing additional services like the Java Management Service.

Oracle corporation stated in September 2017 that it would publish the JDK under the GPL as "Oracle OpenJDK" and also under an Oracle Technology Network (OTN) licence as the Oracle JDK.

While providing Oracle OpenJDK builds under the GPL was well-received, developers, academia, and companies expressed a desire for the trusted, rock-solid Oracle JDK to be available under unambiguously free terms licence as well. Oracle expressed that it values comments from the developer community and is glad to share that the request will be addressed with Java 17.

Support to JDK

According to the article, Oracle will continue to support Oracle JDK LTS releases under the NFTC for at least one full year following the release of the succeeding LTS version, providing you with greater upgrade options. While you can continue to use the six-monthly JDK release cadence to gain faster access to new features, performance improvements, and other enhancements, you now have the time necessary to move from one Oracle JDK LTS to the next if that is your preferred approach.

Oracle JDK Licensing information may be found in the Oracle Java SE Licensing FAQ.

No additional costs

Without incurring additional costs, the Oracle Java SE subscription continues to include value-added services such as the Java Management Service, Advanced Management Console, and GraalVM Enterprise. With 24x7 support (from the same Oracle developers who develop the source code for the majority of the Java platform used globally) and a low monthly cost of just $25 (USD) per processor or $2.50 (USD) per user, the Oracle Java SE Subscription continues to be a high-value choice for thousands of organisations, large and small.

Report summarised

Oracle is giving away its industry-leading Oracle JDK, including quarterly security patches - also commercial and production.
No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) is the new Oracle licence. Subject to the conditions, this licence for Oracle JDK allows commercial and production use by all users. Redistribution is allowed without charge.
Downloading, using, sharing, and redistributing the Oracle JDK has never been easier.
Oracle will provide free releases and updates for one year after the next LTS release, starting with Oracle JDK 17. Earlier versions are unaffected.
Oracle will keep releasing Oracle OpenJDK under the GPL on the same schedule since Java 9.