Java is widely installed as enabling software (“middleware”) required to run Java-based applications. The “original” Java implementation from Sun Microsystems was available for use and development under a free licence. However, the situation became more complicated after Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010 and began offering non-free versions via www.java.com and other locations. It is now essential that you check that any Java installation on your devices is properly licensed.
Oracle Java SE
Oracle Java SE 8 and 11 must not be downloaded, installed or used on University devices or otherwise by University staff or students* except in the following cases:
- The device is used exclusively by a member of University staff named on the University’s Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) licence allocations
- The device or sole user are explicitly licensed via a qualifying product such as Oracle SQL Developer
- Where it is supplied, installed and used exclusively as an integral component of a product supplied by an independent software vendor (ISV) and you have obtained written evidence of an Oracle Binary Licence and Redistribution Agreement (BLRA) from the ISV covering your use
Oracle Java SE 17 and newer may be downloaded, installed and used within the University provided that:
- You can prove that your use falls within the No Fees Terms and Conditions (NFTC) licence
- You have a mechanism in place to ensure that security upgrades are installed, and that you upgrade to a newer version before security upgrades cease for your current version
Other versions of Oracle Java SE are not suitable for use at the University.
* Including, but not limited to, using your University email address to register, download, install or use Oracle Java SE 8 and 11.
OpenJDK
Several organisations provide ready-to-install Java environments based on core OpenJDK product. OpenJDK builds are required to be released under the GNU General Public Licence version 2 with the Classpath Exception, but you should always check that this is the case for your chosen OpenJDK build and that this covers your use. You should also ensure that security updates are provided for the version you need.
Some popular OpenJDK implementations:
- Oracle OpenJDK
- Debian builds of OpenJDK
- Microsoft Build of OpenJDK
The difference between OpenJDK builds and proprietary products such as Oracle Java SE tend to be in the level of support and included libraries, but can include substantial vendor modifications.
Which version of Java to use
If you require Java to run an existing application then you should check the application documentation to confirm which Java version and package you need. This will usually be a Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Newer versions are likely to work but may not be formally supported.
Glossary of Java Terms
- BLRA – Oracle Binary License and Redistribution Agreement, a means of licensing the JRE supplied as part of an ISV’s product
- EBS – Oracle E-Business Suite, the overarching technology product that includes the University’s main financials system (Oracle Financials R12)
- ISV – Independent Software Vendor, the supplier of a software product that depends on a Java product that they do not own themselves
- JAR - A format used to package Java classes, resources and other metadata into a single file. This provides a convenient means of distributing Java applications.
- Java SE – Java is available in several editions, each including different combinations of supporting libraries. Java SE is the Standard Edition, suitable for the vast majority of Java applications
- JDK – Java Development Kit, a package that includes a JRE plus a number of tools required for Java application development. These include a compiler, utility for packing / unpacking JAR files, inspection tools, and standard libraries
- JRE – Java Runtime Environment, a package combining a JVM and the supporting libraries required to run a Java application on a client device
- JVM – Java Virtual Machine, the core engine that can execute a Java application
- NFTC – No Fee Terms and Conditions, an Oracle licence available for Oracle Java SE 17 onwards. The NFTC licence allows production use for free, provided that no fee is charged
- SDK – Software Development Kit, in this context comprising a JDK alongside additional tools to facilitate the authoring, management, build, deployment and operation of Java-based application
