[Dominic Harr]

Really, wow. I was thinking of writing my own Java compiler.

You can write your own Java compiler, or VM.

You really don't know any of this?

[for-q-clinton]

I could have sworn MSFT had to pay Sun money to make a VM. But you're saying Sun doesn't own Java anymore. So MSFT can make their own VM now I guess.

Also what's all this crap I heard about other companies needing to license it from Sun?

I'm obviously wasting my time because you haven't done your research or you're just going off your limited experience. For you it was free, but that doesn't mean it's free for everyone. If I choose to do as Sun says I can probably get it for free, but if I want to do what I want Sun won't let me. I think that what one might call Vendor Lock-in.