[desertlounger]

AFAIK Java was GPL'd by Sun (before the Oracle purchase). This resulted in the OpenJDK, which is the basis for all distributions of Java. Oracle is a big contributor to the development, but so are many others. You can get a pure OpenJDK or any of a number of branded JDKs like those from Eclipse, BellSoft, etc. You can get non-free distributions with support too. A sticking point for a number of years was the TCK (Technology Compatability Kit) used to validate Java, but that too was GPL'd. Java has evolved quite a bit since being open sourced. IMHO C# has some great features, but Java is great for certain things. For instance, making native apps for Mac, Win, and Linux based on modular libraries from the JDK is now fairly easy (and with a modern UI using the OpenJFX framework).

[beezle]

Asking honest question here - did Oracle change the terms back so that one can now develop and distribute applications using their JDK without fees so long as one does not also re-distribute/bundle their jdk with your application(s)? I just read something along those lines having thought that one couldn't use their JDK for anything without fee anymore.

If so, is there a reason to go with OpenJDK over Oracle other than GPL purity?

Again, legit question, no axes to grind.