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Asked: 2026-05-15T06:10:38+00:00

I am taking programming courses and we have been discussing Open Source and having

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I am taking programming courses and we have been discussing Open Source and having a bit of an argument over the confusion. Just because Java is Open Source, the licensing on developed applications starts at the developer, correct? Someone is arguing about the use of code from a complete program just because “Java is Open Source”. If I write a Java application, what are the limitations on how I can distribute it or how someone else can use it? Assume here that I DO NOT want someone having access to my source.

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  1. Editorial Team

    OpenJDK uses the GPLv2 with classpath exception.

    If you modify the JDK itself and distribute binary versions, you must provide its modified source and distribute it under the same terms, but this does not apply to Java applications you write yourself. You are free to distribute them under whatever terms you wish.

    I am not a lawyer, though. You might want to check with one.

    See also http://www.sun.com/software/opensource/java/faq.jsp#g

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