The package, often referred to as the Java Communications API or JavaComm, is a legacy API developed by Sun Microsystems to provide Java applications with low-level, asynchronous access to serial ( ) and parallel ports. Overview & Purpose
The de facto standard replacement for many years was RXTX (e.g., org.rxtx:rxtxcomm ), but it is also considered old. Modern Java serial communication is typically handled via modern, maintained libraries like jSerialComm or jSSC (Java Simple Serial Connector).
It is not part of the standard JDK, requiring manual installation of comm.jar and platform-specific native libraries ( .dll or .so files).
CommPortIdentifier (discovers and names ports like /dev/ttya or COM1 ) and CommPort (abstracts the port and manages InputStream / OutputStream ).
Uses a Java event model to detect changes in signal lines (e.g., carrier detect). Review & Status (As of 2026)
(like jSerialComm) if you are starting a new project. What is your current goal with javax.comm ? Opening up new ports to Java with javax.comm - InfoWorld
Enables communication with external hardware like modems, barcode scanners, and custom sensors.
Oracle/Sun dropped support for the original JavaComm API years ago, making it hard to find official downloads.