Using its now arguably well-worn "continued commitment to Java" tagline, Oracle has issued two new Java Specification Requests (JSRs) to the Java Community Process. The new JSRs are positioned as "defining the next iteration of the JCP", known as JCP.next. They will also involve changes intended to help broaden the transparency of Java, improve procedures, and encourage new community participation.
The JCP itself consists of over 1,200 user group members who, according to Oracle, "together define Java standards and drive the direction of the Java language" and platforms.
The company states that its JCP.next revisions will go through the same JSR development process that is used for Java technologies, and will be voted on by the JCP Executive Committee (EC) before being accepted.
"In the past few months, Oracle and other partners in the Java Community Process have driven a revitalization of Java technology and standards with the approval of the JSRs for Java Platform, Standard Edition 7 and 8, as well as Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 7. Now with the submission of the first JSR for JCP.next, we are ready to begin the evolution of the Java Community Process itself, making it easier for both individuals and organizations to participate in the process," said Patrick Curran, chair of the JCP and director of the JCP's Program Management Office.
Once voted upon, ratified, and fully developed, the latest proposed JSRs will modify the JCP's "constitution", the Process Document and Java Specification Participation Agreement (JSPA), and will apply to all new JSRs and to future maintenance releases of existing JSRs for all Java platforms.
Potential changes resulting from the new proposals include:
- Requiring all Expert Group (EG) operations to be carried out in public forums.
- Increasing the transparency of the recruiting process for Expert Group members to ensure that all applications are fairly considered.
- Exploring ways to enable all JCP members to participate in EC activities through public teleconferences, meetings, e-mail aliases, and discussion forums.
