Oracle Unveils Free License for GraalVM

Oracle has announced that its GraalVM Java virtual machine and Java Development Kit (JDK), featuring advanced compiler technology, are now freely available. This move allows developers and organizations unrestricted use and redistribution of Oracle GraalVM without the need for a click-through license agreement. The decision, effective June 13, covers Oracle GraalVM for JDK 17 and JDK 20, along with subsequent versions, all provided at no cost. This includes regular security updates, making it feasible for production deployments under the GraalVM Free Terms and Conditions (GFTC) license. Redistribution is permitted under these terms, though not for commercial gain. Additionally, for long-term support (LTS) releases such as GraalVM for JDK 17, Oracle guarantees free GFTC versions until one year after the next LTS release.

GraalVM differentiates itself by compiling Java applications ahead of time into autonomous binaries. These binaries exhibit faster startup times and consume fewer resources (both memory and CPU) compared to applications running on conventional OpenJDK JVMs. Beyond Java, GraalVM supports other languages through dedicated runtimes, including Python, JavaScript, R, and Ruby. Furthermore, GraalVM facilitates the execution of programs compiled into the WebAssembly binary instruction format.

Oracle commits to maintaining GPL-licensed GraalVM Community Edition releases under identical terms to their builds of OpenJDK. This alignment ensures continuity for developers accustomed to the established licensing frameworks while opening new avenues for leveraging GraalVM’s performance benefits across diverse application landscapes.

Oracle is making its GraalVM Java virtual machine and Java Development Kit (JDK) with advanced compiler technology available for free.

Developers and organizations can use and redistribute Oracle GraalVM without needing a click-through license agreement. The company announced on June 13 that Oracle GraalVM for JDK 17 and JDK 20 and subsequent releases are being offered free of charge, including all quarterly security updates. These releases will be available under the GraalVM Free Terms and Conditions (GFTC) license, permitting free use even for production deployments. Redistribution is permitted if not for a fee. For long-term support (LTS) releases such as GraalVM for JDK 17, Oracle will provide free GFTC releases until one year after the subsequent LTS release.

GraalVM compiles Java applications ahead of time into standalone binaries that start up faster and use less memory and CPU than applications running on the standard OpenJDK JVM. Runtimes or implementations of GraalVM are available for other languages including Python, JavaScript, R, and Ruby. Programs compiled to the WebAssembly binary instruction format also can be run via GraalVM.

Oracle said it will continue to provide GPL-licensed GraalVM Community Edition releases under the same terms as Oracle builds of OpenJDK.