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We are pleased to announce a new development release of GNU Classpath. GNU Classpath, Essential Libraries for Java, is a project to create free core class libraries for use with virtual machines and compilers for the Java language.

New in this release are the addition of java.util.zip and java.rmi packages, VM independent jni.h, more flexible build environment to separate class and native code generation, out of the box support for the ORP VM, and lots of bug fixes and updates to make GNU Classpath more compliant with the 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 API specification. The copyleft has been clarified and all code in the library is now distributed under the same terms.

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

1). Where can I get it?

GNU Classpath 0.03 can be downloaded from:

2). What is included?

The following packages (some with subpackages) are supported:

  • java.applet (untested)
  • java.awt (very experimental)
  • java.beans
  • java.io
  • java.lang
  • java.math
  • java.net
  • java.rmi
  • java.security (partially functioning)
  • java.sql
  • java.text (untested)
  • java.util
  • java.util.jar
  • java.util.zip

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 1.2 API spec. Some are already compliant with the 1.3 and (preliminary) 1.4 API specification. More information on the current status of each package can be found at

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

GNU Classpath requires a working GNU build environment and a byte code compiler such as jikes, gcj or kjc. When creating native code you will also need a working C compiler and a recent Gnome development libraries (gtk+, libart and gdk-pixbuf). More information on the precise version numbers for the tools and libraries can be found in the INSTALL file.

4). What platforms and VMs are supported?

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

This release support ORP 1.0.9 out of the box. But other compilers and virtual machines such as gcj, Kissme, SableVM, Jupiter and Jaos also work with slightly customized versions of GNU Classpath. Please check if there is a customized version available for the VM you use before trying the bare bones GNU Classpath release. We are working with the VM creators to keep the differences between the core classes as small as possible.

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 home page with information on our mailing list can be found at or

The bug database, CVS, task-manager and latest news can be found on Savannah at