Java GPL'd

In case you didn't know, Sun's releasing Java under the GPL today.

I know a lot of people are rejoicing about this, but frankly I wonder if this really is a good thing for Java or not. Not from a technical point of view, mind you, but in the uncertainty it might create.

1. Forking
Let's face it, Java will fork. Over technology, philosophy, language, etc. It'll happen. I don't think that this will be a major concern for veteran Java developers-after all, they're used to dealing with multiple systems (Sun, IBM, etc.) by now. It might give pause to management considering what development tools to use in their Grand New Project, though. Even if you as a developer know better, the PHBs of the world sometimes do not.

2. Confusing Licensing
Although my take on the licensing is that you'll still be able to develop proprietary (aka "closed source") applications, I find the fine details and the discussion/debate confusing. I'll convince myself that closed source apps are still a-ok, then I'll read another opinion that half convinces me the other way.

The new licensing is supposed to work much like the GNU Classpath License, which (if I'm right) allows for closed source development. I'm not a lawyer but it looks as though I might have to start playing one considering Sun's take on the subject. Worse yet, this response suggests not all the JDK components will be under the Classpath Exception!

Look, I know that according to Sun's FAQ on the subject that they'll continue to make and distribute a commercial JDK, so if you're truly terrified of the GPL you can stick with what you know. Actually, come to think of it this might drive people to Sun's VM over anyone else's...I wonder if Java will ultimately fork into Commercial and Free versions?

3. Conclusion
Despite everything I said, bottom line I think anything that encourages more people to use Java is a very good thing. I plan on steering clear of the forking/licensing thing entirely until the dust settles and only using / targeting Sun commercial Java.

I also plan on taking a look at C#.

Update November 13 2006 19:08 CST: David Illsley has an interesting take on the JDK distribution question. Hopefully some of these questions will be addressed in the (very) near future.