Oracle JDK vs OpenJDK

Developers should learn Oracle JDK when working on enterprise Java projects that require long-term support (LTS), commercial features like Java Flight Recorder, or specific Oracle integrations meets developers should learn and use openjdk when building or deploying java applications that require a reliable, open-source, and community-supported java runtime. Here's our take.

Oracle JDK

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Oracle JDK when working on enterprise Java projects that require long-term support (LTS), commercial features like Java Flight Recorder, or specific Oracle integrations

Pros

• It is essential for applications that rely on Oracle's certified Java SE compatibility, such as legacy systems or environments with strict licensing requirements
• Related to: java, openjdk

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

OpenJDK

Developers should learn and use OpenJDK when building or deploying Java applications that require a reliable, open-source, and community-supported Java runtime

Pros

• It is essential for environments prioritizing cost-effectiveness, transparency, and compatibility with the latest Java specifications, such as enterprise servers, cloud-native applications, and development tools
• Related to: java, java-virtual-machine

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Oracle JDK is a tool while OpenJDK is a platform. We picked Oracle JDK based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Oracle JDK wins

Based on overall popularity. Oracle JDK is more widely used, but OpenJDK excels in its own space.