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GNU Classpath 0.02 Annoucement (2001-01-05)

I am pleased to announce a new 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, but

will soon provide out of the box support SableVM, Intel's ORP, and

Kaffe.  The major improvements for this release are the addition of a

correct security policy file and exception stack traces are now

printed when using Japhar.

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

and this release.

1).  Where can I get it?

GNU Classpath 0.02 can be downloaded from:

      name="ftp://alpha.gnu.org/pub/gnu/classpath/classpath-0.02.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 (partially 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.  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 0.09 be installed along with a

single patch to Japhar 0.09 included with the release.  Information on

obtaining Japhar is available from 

name="http://www.hungry.com/old-hungry/products/japhar/">.  A working C compiler is also required.  You

will need IBM's Jikes Java compiler installed if you elect to

recompile the Java classes and Sun's 1.1.8 JDK javah installed to

create native header files.  RPMs compatible with Red Hat 7 have been

created of Japhar, NSPR, a cross platform thread library Japhar uses,

and GNU Classpath.  Installing onto a Gnome workstation should provide

the rest of the required libraries automatically.  Otherwise, you may

need to install libart and other packages detailed more precisely in

the HACKING file.

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

and

      name="http://www.gnu.org/software/classpath/classpath.html">

Information on our mailing list is available at the web site.