Understanding Java EE 8 Evolution Journey: From 2015 to 2023

Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE) has been an integral part of the enterprise software development landscape since its inception. With the release of Java EE 8 in 2017, Oracle promised a shifting focus toward the future with the goal of making the platform more lightweight, and cloud- and microservices-friendly. This evolution journey holds immense value for every Java developer and enterprise relying on Java EE for their applications.

In this article, we’ll navigate through the evolution of Java EE 8 from its release in 2017, and its subsequent transfer to the Eclipse Foundation (Jakarta EE) until the recent updates and what to expect in 2023. We’ll outline the changes, additions, and implications for the Java community, shedding light on the significance of these developments.

Java EE 8: A New Era of Enterprise Java

Java EE 8 brought about significant improvements to the platform, introducing support for HTTP/2, improved JSON handling, a new version of the Servlet API, and more. These updates aimed to modernize the development experience and align Java with contemporary trends and requirements within the enterprise application landscape.

Example Code Snippet - Improved JSON Handling

import javax.json.bind.Jsonb;
import javax.json.bind.JsonbBuilder;

public class JsonExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Jsonb jsonb = JsonbBuilder.create();
        String result = jsonb.toJson(new MyClass());
        System.out.println(result);
    }
    
    // ...rest of the code
}

In the above code, the introduction of javax.json.bind signifies a more streamlined approach to handling JSON, offering Java developers a more efficient and intuitive means to work with JSON data.

Transition to Eclipse Foundation: Jakarta EE

After the release of Java EE 8, Oracle announced that it would transfer the complete control of Java EE to the Eclipse Foundation, now known as Jakarta EE. This marked a pivotal shift in the evolution of the enterprise Java ecosystem, ushering in an era of community-driven development, and open collaboration.

This transition paved the way for the development of Jakarta EE 9 and beyond, along with embracing cloud-native technologies, such as containers and microservices, in a more impactful manner.

Implications of Transition - Community-Driven Innovation

The move to Jakarta EE has allowed for a more inclusive and collaborative environment, enabling a diverse set of contributors to shape the future of enterprise Java. With a shift in governance and increased transparency, the development of Jakarta EE has become more adaptive to the evolving needs of the industry.

Jakarta EE 9: Embracing Modern Java

Jakarta EE 9, the first release under the Eclipse Foundation, focused on modernizing the platform by removing outdated technologies and aligning with the latest Java SE specifications. It also brought a significant breakthrough by allowing the migration to a new namespace from javax to jakarta, ensuring the continuity and relevance of the platform in the Java ecosystem.

Example Code Snippet - Migration to Jakarta Namespace

import jakarta.enterprise.context.RequestScoped;
import jakarta.inject.Inject;

@RequestScoped
public class ExampleBean {
    @Inject
    private DataService dataService;

    // ...rest of the code
}

The shift from javax to jakarta signifies the platform's readiness to embrace newer Java concepts, maintaining compatibility with the evolving Java standards and specifications.

Java EE 10 and Beyond: What Lies Ahead

Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, the Jakarta EE Working Group and the broader Java community are actively working on defining the roadmap for Jakarta EE 10 and subsequent releases. The focus remains on enhancing Jakarta EE's support for microservices, cloud-native applications, and modern architectures, while fostering a vibrant ecosystem around Jakarta EE.

What to Expect - Improved Microservices Support

With the shift in focus towards microservices and cloud-native application development, Jakarta EE 10 is expected to introduce further enhancements, catering to the specific needs and challenges posed by these architectural paradigms. This will provide Java developers with a more robust platform for building scalable and resilient enterprise applications.

In conclusion, the evolution of Java EE 8 to Jakarta EE entails a transformative journey that not only embraces modern technologies and architectures but also presents an opportunity for the Java community to actively contribute towards shaping the future of enterprise Java. As we anticipate the upcoming releases and advancements in 2023, the relevance and impact of Jakarta EE in the enterprise software development landscape remain as prominent as ever.

To stay updated with the latest developments, stay tuned to the Jakarta EE official website and engage in the vibrant Jakarta EE community.

Keep coding in Java!