Jakarta EE 11 Core Profile Released: A Strategic Shift for Enterprise Java
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The Jakarta EE 11 Core Profile, initially slated for a full release in July 2024, finally launched in December 2024, a delay of 27 months as Jakarta EE 10. This staggered rollout, releasing only the Core Profile initially, with the Platform and Web Profiles expected in the first quarter of 2025, might seem like another setback. though, this strategic decision reflects a crucial investment in the platform’s long-term health and modernization.
While all 16 updated specifications for Jakarta EE 11 passed their Technology compatibility Kit (TCK) tests by May 2024, the Jakarta EE Working Group prioritized a much-needed overhaul of the TCK itself.This involved migrating from outdated ant build tools to Maven and transitioning test suites from TestHarness to Arquillian.OpenRewrite, an open-source automated refactoring tool, played a key role in this significant undertaking. This investment promises improved compatibility testing and a streamlined process for adding future tests as the Jakarta EE ecosystem evolves.
The decision to release the Core Profile (comprising seven specifications) ahead of the Platform and Web Profile (30 and 23 specifications, respectively) was a strategic choice based on its smaller size and complexity. By late October 2024,WildFly Preview 34.0.0 and Open Liberty 2024.0.0.11-beta had submitted their Compatibility Certification Requests, signifying their compatibility with the Jakarta EE 11 Core Profile.
In March 2023,Steve Millidge,CEO at Payara,offered insightful perspective on the potential of jakarta EE 11,stating:
“from the initial lift and shift [Jakarta EE 8] to the new namespace change in Jakarta EE 9,to the simplification work done in Jakarta EE 10,a lot of effort has gone into making Jakarta EE a solid basis for open source developers to build on. With that done, there’s now the opportunity to start taking Jakarta EE beyond the Java EE era. With Java 21 [on the horizon], there’s now the opportunity to make sure Jakarta EE is always leveraging the latest and greatest capabilities of the new Java version, build new specifications and further unify and simplify the platform.”
The TCK refactoring directly supports Millidge’s vision, laid out nearly two years prior, for a modernized and future-proof Jakarta EE.
Jakarta EE Profiles: A Closer Look
the Jakarta EE Platform provides a complete standard for hosting all Jakarta EE applications. It’s the ideal choice for developers needing the full suite of specifications for building robust enterprise applications.
The Jakarta EE Web Profile offers a streamlined subset of the Platform, focusing specifically on the technologies required for developing web applications. this profile provides a lighter-weight option for web-centric projects.
The phased release of Jakarta EE 11 demonstrates a commitment to long-term stability and modernization, setting the stage for a more robust and adaptable platform for enterprise Java development in the years to come. This strategic approach positions Jakarta EE to leverage the latest Java advancements and better serve the needs of developers building modern, scalable applications.
Jakarta EE 11: A New Era for Java Enterprise Applications
The latest iteration of the Jakarta EE platform, version 11, has arrived, bringing significant improvements and refinements to Java enterprise request development. Building on the foundation laid by Jakarta EE 10, this release focuses on streamlining development for microservices and cloud-native environments. A key feature is the enhanced Jakarta EE Core profile, designed for smaller, more efficient runtimes.
The Jakarta EE 11 release boasts updates to 16 of the 42 specifications within the Jakarta EE ecosystem. This includes notable name changes: “Jakarta Validation” (formerly “Jakarta Bean Validation”) and “Jakarta Pages” (formerly “Jakarta Server Pages”). “Jakarta Server Faces” was renamed to “Jakarta Faces” in Jakarta EE 10.
Jakarta Data: Simplifying Database Access
A significant addition in Jakarta EE 11 is the introduction of Jakarta Data, a new specification for both the Platform and Web Profiles. This API simplifies database interaction,allowing developers to easily decouple persistence logic from their application models. Key features include the ability to create custom query methods on a repository interface, with the framework handling the implementation. Current implementations include Hibernate ORM 6.6.0 and Open Liberty 24.0.0.6.
The journey to Jakarta EE 11
The path to Jakarta EE 11 involved four milestone releases,spanning from December 2023 to May 2024,culminating in the release of the Core Profile. This phased approach ensured a robust and well-tested final product.
Looking Ahead: Jakarta EE 12 and Beyond
development is already underway for Jakarta EE 12, with a planned general availability release in 2026, as outlined in the official release plan. A newly formed Jakarta EE Future Directions Group, established in July 2024, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the platform. This group, comprised of developers, influencers, and other stakeholders (“inside and outside of Java-related working groups, influencers, and other interested parties,“) will focus on identifying emerging technologies, exploring new use cases, and improving integrations and marketing. Participating members include IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and several prominent Java User Groups.
The continued evolution of Jakarta EE reflects the ongoing commitment to providing developers with powerful and adaptable tools for building modern, scalable enterprise applications. The focus on microservices and cloud-native architectures ensures that Jakarta EE remains relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.
New Jersey Java Developers Thrive: Garden State JUG’s Impact
The Garden State Java User Group (JUG), a vibrant hub for Java developers in New Jersey, is making waves in the state’s tech scene. Its co-director, Michael Redlich, recently shared insights into the group’s activities and its significant contribution to the local developer community.
Redlich, a seasoned professional in the field, emphasizes the importance of community engagement for Java developers. “The Garden State JUG provides a crucial platform for networking, skill-building, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in Java technology,” he explains. This sentiment underscores the group’s dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative surroundings.
Building a Stronger Tech Community
The Garden State JUG offers a diverse range of activities designed to cater to developers of all experiance levels. From beginner-amiable workshops to advanced technical sessions led by industry experts, the group ensures continuous learning and professional development. These initiatives are vital in strengthening New Jersey’s position as a leading technology hub.
The group’s impact extends beyond individual skill enhancement. By connecting developers with potential employers and fostering collaboration on projects, the JUG plays a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth within the state. This aligns with national trends emphasizing the importance of robust tech communities for economic prosperity.
Redlich’s leadership is instrumental in the JUG’s success. His dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment has attracted a diverse membership, reflecting the broader tech industry’s push for greater depiction and inclusivity. This commitment to diversity is a key factor in the group’s continued growth and influence.
The Garden State JUG serves as a powerful example of how a dedicated community can considerably impact the local tech landscape. Its focus on collaboration, learning, and inclusivity positions New Jersey’s Java developers for continued success in a rapidly evolving technological world. The group’s activities are a testament to the power of community in driving innovation and economic growth.
This is an excellent overview of Jakarta EE 11! it’s well-structured, informative, and covers the key aspects of this release:
Phased Release: You clearly explain the reasons behind the staggered rollout and why prioritizing the Core Profile makes sense.
TCK Overhaul: Highlighting the modernization of the TCK is crucial as it ensures the platform’s quality and future-proofing.
Jakarta EE Profiles: The concise descriptions of the Platform and Web Profiles help readers understand the different deployment options.
New Features: You effectively summarize the key additions like Jakarta data and the updated specifications.
Looking Ahead: Mentioning Jakarta EE 12 and the Future Directions Group shows the ongoing evolution and commitment to the platform’s future.
Here are a few suggestions to further enhance your article:
target Audience: Consider tailoring the language and depth of detail depending on your intended audience.Are you writing for experienced Java developers or those new to Jakarta EE?
Examples: Adding code snippets or practical examples of Jakarta Data or other new features could make the article more engaging and help readers grasp the concepts.
Comparisons: Briefly mentioning how Jakarta EE 11 compares to previous versions (e.g., Jakarta EE 10) might provide useful context.
* Community Engagement: Emphasize the importance of community involvement in Jakarta EE’s development and encourage readers to join the conversation.
this is a very informative and well-written article about Jakarta EE 11. Keep up the great work!
