GNU Classpath 0.00 Annoucement (1999-02-06)

I am pleased to announce the first development release of GNU Classpath, a project to create a free software replacement for Sun's proprietary Java class libraries. The project is initially providing class library support for the Japhar JVM.

Here are the answers to some questions you might have about this project and this release.

1). Where can I get it?

GNU Classpath 0.00 can be downloaded from: ftp://alpha.gnu.org/pub/gnu/classpath/classpath-0.00.tar.gz

2). What is included?

The following java packages are supported:

• java.beans
• java.io
• java.lang
• java.lang.reflect
• java.math
• java.net
• java.security (partial and non-functioning)
• java.security.acl
• java.security.interfaces
• java.util

This is enough to run many non-awt programs. Not all classes and methods are implemented in this release, but most are. The major missing piece of core functionality is java.text. Many of the implemented classes are already up to the Java 1.2 spec.

3). What is required to build/install/run?

GNU Classpath requires that Japhar 0.07 be installed. Information on obtaining Japhar is available from http://www.hungry.com/old-hungry/products/japhar/ . A working C compiler is also required. You will need the Sun JDK installed if you elect to recompile the Java classes.

4). What platforms are supported?

GNU/Linux is the only platform that has been tested. We plan to eventually support many others.

5). Who should use this software?

This is a development release only. You should only install it if you are interested in Classpath development or reporting bugs. We appreciate both. You might also be interested if you enjoy installing random alpha software.

6). Where do I go for more information?

The project has a web page at http://www.classpath.org/ and http://www.gnu.org/software/classpath/classpath.html Information on our mailing list is available at the web site.

Please send FSF & GNU inquiries & questions to gnu@gnu.org. There are also other ways to contact the FSF.

Please send comments on these web pages to webmasters@www.gnu.org, send other questions to gnu@gnu.org.

Copyright © 1999-2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA

Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.

Updated: $Date: 2006/12/17 19:53:07 $ $Author: mark $