# Oracle JDK licensing changes in Java 11 and OpenJDK alternatives

DevFeed: [Oracle JDK licensing changes in Java 11 and OpenJDK alternatives](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/oracle-s-java-11-trap-use-openjdk-instead-22002.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<http://blog.joda.org/2018/09/do-not-fall-into-oracles-java-11-trap.html>)

Author: Stephen Colebourne (noreply@blogger.com)

Published: 2018-09-26T10:57:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Stephen Colebourne](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/stephen-colebourne.md>)

Topics: [Java](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/java.md>), [openjdk](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/openjdk.md>), [.NET 11](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/net-11.md>), [Adoptium](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/adoptium.md>), [GNU General Public License](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/gpl.md>)

Tags: [adoptium](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/adoptium.md>), [java](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/java.md>), [jdk](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/jdk.md>), [lts](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/lts.md>), [openjdk](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/openjdk.md>), [oracle](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/oracle.md>)

## AI overview

The author argues that Oracle JDK for Java 11 has commercial-use restrictions and recommends choosing a free OpenJDK build for commercial use. The article cites Adoptium as a GPL-licensed option intended to provide more than four years of security patches.

## Source excerpt

TL:DR; Java is still available at zero-cost, you just need to stop using Oracle JDK and start using an OpenJDK build, such as this one or this one. The trap Java 11 has been released. It is a major release because it has long-term support (LTS). But Oracle have also set it up to be a trap (either deliberately or accidentally). For 23 years, developers have downloaded the JDK from Oracle and used it for $free. Type "JDK" into your favourite search engine, and the top link will be to an Oracle Java SE download page (I'm deliberately not providing a link). But that search and that link is now a trap. Oracle JDK, the one all web searches take you to, is now commercial not $free. The key part of the terms is as follows: You may not: use the Programs for any data processing or any commercial, production, or internal business purposes other than developing, testing, prototyping, and demonstrating your Application; The trap is as follows: Download Oracle JDK (because that is what you've always done, and it is what the web-search tells you) Use it in production (because you didn't realise the license changed) Get a nasty phone call from Oracle's license enforcement teams demanding lots of money In other words, Oracle can rely on inertia from Java developers to cause them to download the wrong (commercial) release of Java. Unless you read the text/warnings/legalese very carefully you might not even realise Oracle JDK is now commercial, and that you are therefore liable to pay Oracle for using this particular JDK in production. (Update, 2018-10-03: Searches for Java 11 and JDK 11 now seem to be resolving to OpenJDK builds, not commercial ones!) Is this trap malicious behaviour on the part of Oracle? Readers will have their own opinions. I do suggest bearing in mind that Oracle invests huge amounts in developing Java, so it is reasonable to have a commercial plan available for those that want it. And they do provide a $free alternative completely valid for commercial use... The