Is java an open source programming language?

A programming language isn't in it self open source or not, but an implementation of it might be. Yes, there are open source implementations of Java. Sun's Java implementation (the most popular one), is one of them.

Yes, or it will be eventually (there may still be some things they're working on replacing since they were used under licence). Sun committed to making it open source and you can download it from them. Check out OpenJDK.

The "official" SUN implementation of the language itself is not, but there is a community-driven process (not sure how well it works) for suggestions to improve the language - the Java Community Process. There are also open implementations of the Java development tools and runtime, such as OpenJDK.

Not yet, but it is soon about to go open source.

source:

• http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/community/opensourcejdk-jsp-136417.html
• Oracle's Java Development team works a floor above me.

Quoting from https://blogs.oracle.com/java-platform-group/faster-and-easier-use-and-redistribution-of-java-se :

• Oracle is proposing to increase the release cadence of Java SE to every six months
• Oracle will simplify how developers, customers, and consumers use Java SE
• Starting with JDK 9 GA Oracle plans to ship OpenJDK builds under the GPL
• Oracle has proposed a time-driven release model for Java SE instead of the historical feature-driven model
• Oracle JDK will contribute previously commercial features such as Java Flight Recorder to OpenJDK
• Oracle will work with other OpenJDK contributors to make the community infrastructure complete, modern and accessible
• The Oracle JDK will continue as a commercial long-term support offering
• The Oracle JDK will primarily be for commercial and support customers once OpenJDK binaries are interchangeable with the Oracle JDK (target late 2018) Oracle will continue to enhance the packaging and distribution of complete ready-to-run applications

We have moved Java EE onto :http://openjdk.java.net/projects/jdk9/spec/

Further reads:

1. https://blogs.oracle.com/theaquarium/opening-up-ee-update
2. https://blogs.oracle.com/java-platform-group/java-se-offerings
3. https://blogs.oracle.com/java/java-9-release-now-available
4. https://blogs.oracle.com/java-platform-group/convergence-of-oracle-java-se-embedded-with-oracle-jdk

Most of "Java" is open source, there is some small portions that Sun doesn't have the rights to open up...check out the site for OpenJDK for more info

OpenJDK after you download it in a src folder you have windows,solaris,share,linux in the share folder, you can find classes. There you can see the source code of all classes (ex. JButton).