Oracle JDK vs OpenJDK: A Comparative Study

In recent years, Oracle has made significant strides in opening up the Java Development Kit (JDK) by releasing the source code under an open-source license. This move has sparked a flurry of questions about the differences between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK, two popular platforms for building Java-based applications. In this article, we will delve into the world of Java development and explore the key differences between these two variants.

What is OpenJDK?

OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE). It is a community-driven project that aims to provide a free and open alternative to Oracle JDK. The OpenJDK repository contains the source code for the Java Development Kit, which can be used to build and customize the platform.

What is Oracle JDK?

Oracle JDK is a commercial implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE). It is developed by Oracle Corporation and includes additional features and components not found in OpenJDK. The Oracle JDK is designed for commercial use cases and provides a more comprehensive set of tools and libraries for building and deploying Java-based applications.

While both platforms share the same underlying architecture, there are several key differences between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK. Here are some of the main differences:

1. Licensing: OpenJDK is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), while Oracle JDK is licensed under a proprietary license.

2. Commercial Features: Oracle JDK includes commercial features such as JRockit Mission Control, which is not available in OpenJDK.

3. Components: Oracle JDK includes additional components such as deployment code, graphics rasterizer, and third-party fonts, which are not included in OpenJDK.

4. Code Base: The code base for Oracle JDK builds on OpenJDK 7, with a few additional pieces added to the mix.

Case Study: Comparing Performance between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK

In this case study, we compared the performance implications of using Oracle JDK versus OpenJDK with Android Studio. Our results show that there are few differences in performance between the two platforms, indicating that OpenJDK is a viable alternative to Oracle JDK.

In conclusion, while both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK share the same underlying architecture, there are several key differences between the two platforms. Oracle JDK includes commercial features and additional components not found in OpenJDK, making it a more comprehensive platform for building and deploying Java-based applications. However, OpenJDK provides a free and open alternative to Oracle JDK, making it an attractive option for developers who require a cost-effective solution.

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Oracle jdk vs openjdk