The aim of the IcePick project is to allow the language tools (javac, javadoc, javah, javap, apt) from the OpenJDK project to be built separately using any 1.5 compliant Java compiler. This is primarily motivated by a desire to allow these tools to be used with virtual machines that make use of the GNU Classpath library rather than simply as part of the larger IcedTea or OpenJDK distribution with the HotSpot or CACAO virtual machines. The advantages of using this toolset as opposed to existing tools distributed with Classpath-based solutions are:
* A 1.5 capable Javadoc generator (gjdoc still needs support for the new
constructs)
* Provision of the apt tool for which there is no other Free software
solution. This tool is needed to build the JikesRVM.
* More heavily tested implementations of javac, javah and javap than those
provided by ecj and the GNU Classpath tools
Unlike IcedTea, IcePick's only dependency is a 1.5 capable compiler which can
be provided by ecj, a gcj which uses ecj or an existing copy of javac.
Because the OpenJDK class libraries and HotSpot are not being built, their
requisite dependencies (see BuildRequirements are no longer needed. As a
result, IcePick is buildable on a wider range of systems including those not
yet supported by IcedTea. This includes those architectures other than x86,
x86_64, ppc and ppc64 (the latter two having experimental support on IcedTea
thanks to Gary Benson) and systems which can't meet the arduous build
requirements of IcedTea/OpenJDK. It also provides a solution for users who
want the OpenJDK toolset but don't want to build the entire distribution.
It's still fairly untested so please try and give it a whirl and let me know
of any problems. Details of how to check it out and build are on the IcedTea
wiki:
http://icedtea.classpath.org/wiki/IcePick
Bugs: http://icedtea.classpath.org/bugzilla/
Thanks,
--
Andrew :-)
Help end the Java Trap!
Contribute to GNU Classpath and the OpenJDK
http://www.gnu.org/software/classpath
http://openjdk.java.net
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