Sun Microsystems has posted the next version of its Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) to the developer community for early review and feedback.

Available as part of a newly launched project on java.net, the move marks the first time Sun has made source and binary code bundles for a J2SE release available while it is still under active development.

Sun claimed that the release provides an "unprecedented opportunity" for developers worldwide to work with Java.

"Last June we experimented with a transparent development process by releasing early snapshots of the J2SE 5.0 software and it was a great success," said Jeff Jackson, vice president of Java platform development and tools at Sun.

"Inspired by the enthusiasm we found in the Java development community, and its desire to participate earlier in the process, we are taking it a few steps further by releasing source code under the simplified Java Research Licence, and an open community project launched on java.net."

Java developers are invited to join the project on java.net from where they can download build 12 of the next version of J2SE source code and participate in developer forums.

In the future, Sun promised that java.net will be used to create a streamlined process for patch submissions.

The vendor explained that it has taken steps to simplify the Java technology licence to give easier access to non-profit and academic developers via the newly unveiled Java Research Licence.

Sun added that it is "considering adjustments" to the Java Distribution Licence to ease developer access.

To learn more visit the J2SE 6 project on java.net here.