Java the language was released as GPL by SUN Microsystems. However

some of the core class libraries and other features were included in

various SDK and JDK and are proprietary and owned by SUN and now

Oracle. Some of these runtimes are called "Java Platform."

There are free alternatives like ClassPath for the core libraries and

IcedTea for the browser applet but the field is littered with

landmines.

Wikipedia attempts to explain it here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_(programming_language)

See, especially "Java Platform"

On Wed, Dec 21, 2016 at 11:38 AM, Gene Wirchenko <genew@telus.net> wrote:

> At 02:39 2016-12-21, Alan Bourke <alanpbourke@fastmail.fm> wrote:

>>

>> For clarity - Java SE remains free for 'general purpose computing' i.e.

>> desktops, notebooks, smartphones and tablets.

>>

>> It is not free when embedded in phones, network switches and the like.

>

>

> Clear as mud.

>

> While I prefer a desktop system, many (and it may be most) computer

> users use their phone. How is the majority not general?

>

> [snip]

>

> Sincerely,

>

> Gene Wirchenko

>

>

[excessive quoting removed by server]

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