Java Community Process

The Java Community Process ( JCP ) is the procedure established in 1998 that is used in the further development of the Java programming language and its standard library . The current organizational process itself was defined by the JCP in a process similar to that developed for the language extensions in JSR 215.

organization

Every extension has to go through a certain process. The extensions are called Java Specification Request (JSR) and are simply numbered consecutively. All JSRs are listed on the website.

One or more members of the JCP can propose an extension. These suggestions are first examined to see whether they are already covered by another proposed extension or an existing API .

If the proposal includes a change in the language, the Java Virtual Machine , the Java Native Interface , packages of the java. * Hierarchy or other packages delivered with the Java Platform, Standard Edition , then this proposal may only be used as part of a collective specification for a new Java version will be adopted. This rule is intended to prevent various incompatible or inconsistent Java implementations.

In order to be accepted as a JSR, the Executive Committee (EC) has to accept the proposal. The EC is determined in advance by the members of the JCP. If the proposal is rejected, it is possible to adjust the proposal for a certain period of time and put it to a new vote.

Work process

If the proposal is accepted, an expert group will subsequently be formed to provide the JSR with expert knowledge. This forms an early draft , an early version. This is further processed into a public draft , which the public can examine and comment on in the form of the Internet. A final version of the JSR grows on it. If this is confirmed again by the EC, then the expert group develops a reference implementation. After this has been assessed, the EC finally votes on the acceptance of the JSR. If this vote is successful, the JSR becomes an official part of the language.

Early Draft Review (edr)
Public Review (pr)
Proposed Final Draft (pfd, pfd2)
Final Release (fr, fr2)
Maintenance Release (mr)

Contributors

In addition to the company Sun , who invented Java , other companies such as IBM , Oracle , HP , Fujitsu , T-Mobile , Siemens and also individuals such as Doug Lea and associations such as the Apache Software Foundation are involved in the JCP . Because of Oracle's departure from the open source idea, the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) acted on its threat in December 2010 and left the Executive Committee. At the same time, she announces that she will withdraw completely from the JCP.

Web links

JCP website (English)
JSR 215: Java Community Process ^SM version 2.6 (English)
List of all JSRs (English)
Open letter to Sun Microsystems criticizing Sun's role in JCP

Individual evidence

↑ JCP Procedures, JCP 2: Process Document - The formal procedures for using the Java Specification development process. Sun Microsystems, May 15, 2009, accessed July 8, 2010 .
↑ EC Elections 2009. Java Community Process, November 5, 2009, accessed on December 22, 2009 .
↑ Apache leaves the Java Community Process. In: golem.de. December 10, 2010, accessed December 10, 2010 .

[1] JCP Procedures, JCP 2: Process Document - The formal procedures for using the Java Specification development process. Sun Microsystems, May 15, 2009, accessed July 8, 2010 .

[2] EC Elections 2009. Java Community Process, November 5, 2009, accessed on December 22, 2009 .

[3] Apache leaves the Java Community Process. In: golem.de. December 10, 2010, accessed December 10, 2010 .