Jan 6, 2025
Java Development Kit (JDK) Updates
JDK 24 Progress:
JDK 24 has entered Rampdown Phase One, indicating that the feature set is finalized, and the focus has shifted to bug fixes and stabilization. This release includes 24 JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPs), introducing performance improvements such as garbage collector enhancements and compact object headers, as well as deprecations and removals aimed at increasing platform integrity.
JDK 25 Expert Group Formation
The Expert Group for JDK 25 has been established, marking the beginning of discussions and planning for future enhancements and features in the Java platform.
Meta has ported approximately half of its 10 million line Android codebase from Java to Kotlin, developing a tool called Kotlinator to automate the process2.
Apache TomEE 10.0.0 and Apache Struts 7.0.0 have reached General Availability (GA)2. New JEPs in Java 24 will provide initial Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) capabilities2.
Frameworks and Libraries:
Spring Cloud 2024.0.0 Release:
The Spring Cloud project has released version 2024.0.0, offering new features and improvements for building robust, cloud-native applications.
Quarkus 3.17.0 Release:
Quarkus, the Kubernetes-native Java framework tailored for GraalVM and OpenJDK HotSpot, has released version 3.17.0, bringing enhancements for building Java applications optimized for containerized environments.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Enhancements:
- JetBrains 2024.1 Updates: JetBrains has released the 2024.1 updates for its suite of IDEs, introducing full-line code autocompletion powered by local AI models. This feature processes code suggestions entirely on the user's device, reducing latency and enhancing the offline development experience.
Conferences and Events:
- JavaOne 2025 Registration: Registration is now open for JavaOne 2025, scheduled to take place in California from March 18-20. JavaOne is a premier event for Java developers, offering opportunities to engage with platform architects and community members.
December 31, 2024:
Java 24 Development Progress
Java 24 is currently in development, with 24 JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPs) targeted for inclusion. These proposals aim to enhance performance, improve garbage collection (GC), and introduce more integrity by default. Notably, there are plans to remove 32-bit ports, signaling a shift towards modern architectures.
Spring AI 1.0 Milestone 5 Released
The Spring Framework has announced the fifth milestone release of Spring AI 1.0. This release focuses on integrating artificial intelligence capabilities into Spring applications, providing developers with tools to incorporate AI functionalities seamlessly.
Grails 7.0 Milestone 1 Available
Grails, the well-known web application framework, has released the first milestone of version 7.0. This update brings new features and improvements aimed at enhancing developer productivity and application performance.
JHipster 8.8 Released
JHipster, a popular development platform for generating, developing, and deploying Spring Boot + Angular/React/Vue web applications, has released version 8.8. This version includes several updates and bug fixes to streamline the development process.
JavaOne 2025 Registration Open
Registration for JavaOne 2025 is now open. Scheduled for March 18-20 in California, JavaOne is the premier event for Java developers, offering opportunities to engage with platform architects and community members.
These updates highlight the ongoing evolution and vibrancy of the Java ecosystem, reflecting its commitment to innovation and community engagement.
Java LTS
Java follows a predictable release schedule, with Long-Term Support (LTS) versions released every two years. Here's an overview of the recent and upcoming LTS releases:
| Java Version | Release Date | Support End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Java 8 | March 2014 | March 2022 |
| Java 11 | September 2018 | September 2026 |
| Java 17 | September 2021 | September 2029 |
| Java 21 | September 2023 | September 2031 |
| Java 25 | September 2025 | September 2033 |
Oracle plans to release LTS versions every two years, with the next LTS release, Java 25, scheduled for September 2025.
For a visual representation of the Java release schedule, you can refer to the Oracle Java SE Support Roadmap.
Please note that support end dates are subject to change; it's advisable to consult Oracle's official resources for the most current information.
General Java Trends:
Continued Growth and Adoption: Java remains a highly popular and widely-used programming language across various domains.
Focus on Cloud and Microservices: There is a growing focus on cloud-native development and microservices architectures within the Java ecosystem.
AI and Machine Learning Integration: Java is increasingly being used for building AI and machine learning applications.