Sun is making the source code to the Java^TM 2 platform available to the developer community. This offering is intended to further propel innovation of the Java platform and provide developers with easier access to Java platform sources while still maintaining compatibility.

Do You Need The Source Code?

In most cases, you do not need the source. In fact, most developers will find all the basic resources and tools they need in the Java^TM 2 Software Development Kit (formerly known as the JDK^TM 1.2).

The source code to the Java 2 platform can be invaluable if you are doing any of the following:

• conducting research work
• debugging possible platform bugs
• adding enhancements which require access to platform internals

But building, porting, and testing the Java 2 platform source code requires a high level of technical expertise.

For more information, see the Java 2 Platform Community Source pages.