Exciting Java Developments in 2023: GlassFish 8.0-M1, Spring Highlights, and More

By Michael Redlich

As 2023 comes to a close, the Java community continues to make significant strides in various areas. In this article, we highlight some of the most noteworthy news items from the past week, including the release of Eclipse GlassFish 8.0.0-M1, Apache Camel 3.22.0, Gradle 8.6-RC1, and an updated draft specification for JEP 455. Additionally, we delve into retrospectives that shed light on the remarkable achievements of Spring, BellSoft, and WildFly throughout the year.

Eclipse GlassFish 8.0.0-M1: A Glimpse Into the Future

Java developers are eagerly awaiting the release of GlassFish 8.0.0-M1, which offers a sneak peek into the future of this popular Java EE application server. With this milestone release, developers can explore new features and improvements, including enhanced support for Jakarta Enterprise Beans (EJB) and an updated implementation of the Java Servlet API. GlassFish 8.0.0-M1 is set to revolutionize the way developers build and deploy enterprise applications.

Apache Camel 3.22.0: A Powerful Integration Framework

Another exciting news item from the Java community is the release of Apache Camel 3.22.0. This open-source integration framework simplifies the integration of various systems and applications by providing a uniform API and a wide range of connectors and components. The latest version brings several enhancements, including improved support for popular protocols and data formats, making it easier than ever to create robust and efficient integration solutions.

Gradle 8.6-RC1: Empowering Java Build Automation

Java developers can now take advantage of the latest features and improvements in Gradle 8.6-RC1. Gradle is a powerful build automation tool that offers flexibility and efficiency in managing Java projects. The release candidate introduces enhanced incremental compilation, faster dependency resolution, and improved resource caching, leading to faster build times and improved developer productivity.

Updated Draft Specification for JEP 455

The Java Enhancement Proposal (JEP) 455 aims to improve the existing support for pattern matching in Java. This week, an updated draft specification for JEP 455 was released, showcasing the progress made in this area. Pattern matching simplifies the code by eliminating boilerplate and enables developers to write more expressive and concise code. The updated specification brings new syntax and semantics, making pattern matching in Java even more powerful and intuitive.

Retrospectives: Spring, BellSoft, and WildFly Highlights

Looking back at the year 2023, Spring has had a remarkable journey with significant achievements. Notably, Spring Framework 6.0 introduced many new features, including enhanced support for reactive programming and improved modularity. It further consolidated its position as one of the leading Java frameworks for building robust and scalable applications.

BellSoft, a key player in the Java ecosystem, made significant contributions throughout the year. They continued their commitment to providing high-quality, industry-standard Java runtimes and supporting the Java community. BellSoft's contributions have been instrumental in driving the adoption of Java and ensuring its continued success.

WildFly, the popular open-source Java application server, had a successful year filled with notable achievements. WildFly 29, the latest major release, introduced various enhancements, performance optimizations, and updated standards support. WildFly continues to be a top choice for developers looking to build and deploy Java-based enterprise applications.

In Conclusion

December 2023 has been a relatively quiet month for the Java community, but that doesn't mean there haven't been notable developments to get excited about. From the upcoming release of Eclipse GlassFish 8.0.0-M1 to the advancements in Apache Camel, Gradle, and JEP 455, there are plenty of reasons for Java developers to be optimistic about the future. Furthermore, the retrospectives of Spring, BellSoft, and WildFly remind us of the immense progress made in the Java ecosystem throughout the year. As we look forward to the coming year, it's clear that Java will continue to evolve and thrive.