use gcc or javac for java compile?

lasindi · 10-14-2004, 12:06 AM

I've tried to use gcj without Sun's JRE installed, and it won't work. Has GNU (or any other free/open source group) written a free/open source Java library that could be used with gcj? I also wonder, is a free JRE out there, that could be used in place of Sun's?

lasindi

CroMagnon · 10-14-2004, 03:43 AM

Megaman:

Quote:

I also never said that it was not possible to compile Java to byte code with gcj, did I?
Not sure what is going on in this forum lately... looks like peoples always try to prove you wrong or reply to an already answered question to increase post numbers or something

I didn't jump in to correct you and prove I am more of a man than you. We are all trying to help others, and while you didn't say gcj COULDN'T compile class code, the way you wrote your answer made it sound like gcj was limited to compiling native code. I admit I didn't read your link, but then, I wasn't the one looking for a multi-page introduction to java.

lasindi:
I've compiled and run simple java code without Sun's JRE active, although I do need it to run .class files. A fully free JVM is at www.kaffe.org, or you can use IBM's JVM (which some people swear by, but I'm pretty sure is not open source).

jlliagre · 10-14-2004, 03:50 AM

Sun's JRE and JDKs are free, most of the library is open source (6667 class source files in my JDK1.5 src.zip).
Sun is actively contributing to the open source community (http://www.sunsource.net/)
Why don't you want to use Sun's JRE ?

Mega Man X · 10-14-2004, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CroMagnon
Megaman:

I didn't jump in to correct you and prove I am more of a man than you. We are all trying to help others, and while you didn't say gcj COULDN'T compile class code, the way you wrote your answer made it sound like gcj was limited to compiling native code. I admit I didn't read your link, but then, I wasn't the one looking for a multi-page introduction to java.

l

CroMagnon:

I understand CroMagnon. You've not done anything wrong, nor did jlliagre. It's was me who used my butt ratter then my head before posting. I really apologize to you and everybody in this thread.

jordanGSU · 10-14-2004, 07:17 AM

Hi lasindi,
I have had luck using gcj to compile java programs without the SUN sdk installed. I had to compile gcc with java enabled as a language...

Below are the commands I used to compile a test.java. Hope this helps

gcj -c -g -O test.java
gcj --main=test -o test test.o

then to execute:
./test

javeree · 10-14-2004, 07:29 AM

And if you're looking for a really good personal study book, look for 'Thinking in Java' which is available online for free. When you have worked through that, you will really understand the language, including it's strenghts and weaknesses.

lasindi · 10-15-2004, 03:04 AM

jlliagre,

The reason I didn't want to use Sun's libraries was that I was under the impression that these libraries aren't free. So they are? If the JRE and the libraries are all open, then is the only thing closed the compiler? It seems like it would be silly of Sun to not open the compiler for fear of forking; it's the library and the runtime that would be in "danger" of forking. I know that Sun is a well meaning company, but they should open Java more quickly.

lasindi

jlliagre · 10-15-2004, 09:12 AM

lasindi

The libraries are free as in free beer. They are also open source in the sense that you can view their source code as reference, but, as far as I understand, you are only allowed to modify any of the java.* (and perhaps com.sun.* and javax.*) branches inside what is called the java community program, which is open to anyone willing to participate, and free ($0) to individuals.