---
type: entity
title: OpenJDK
tags: [java, open-source, software]
related: [universitatsrechenzentrum-urz, gota-modul, icedtea-webstart]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_downloads_software_javaopenjdk.md"]
---

# OpenJDK

**OpenJDK** is the open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition. It is the primary Java environment recommended by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] as a free alternative to Oracle Java.

## URZ Recommendations
The URZ recommends OpenJDK to avoid the licensing fees associated with Oracle Java SE (from version 8 Update 211 onwards). 

- **General Use**: OpenJDK version 11 is recommended for most applications.
- **Specialized Use**: OpenJDK version 8 is strictly required for the [[gota-modul]] in [[groupware]].

## Recommended Distributions
Since OpenJDK is a specification/source, the URZ suggests several distributions:
- **AdoptOpenJDK**
- **Amazon Corretto**
- **SapMachine** (Version 11 and above)
- **ojdkbuild** (Recommended for Windows users)

## Installation Variants
- **JRE (Java Runtime Environment)**: Sufficient for most users who only need to run Java applications.
- **JDK (Java Development Kit)**: Required for users developing Java applications.
