Java News Roundup: GlassFish 8.0-M1, 2023 Highlights from Spring, BellSoft and WildFly - Revealing the Latest in Java Development

By Michael Redlich

December 25th, 2023

As the year comes to a close, the Java community has remained active, with several noteworthy updates and highlights. In this Java News Roundup, we'll explore the latest developments in the world of Java, 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'll delve into the retrospectives of Spring, BellSoft, and WildFly, highlighting their achievements in 2023.

Eclipse GlassFish 8.0.0-M1

Eclipse GlassFish 8.0.0-M1 marks an important milestone in the evolution of GlassFish, the open-source Java EE reference implementation. This release brings numerous enhancements and bug fixes, improving overall performance and stability. Developers can benefit from features like improved support for Jakarta RESTful Web Services, updated support for the latest JDK versions, and various API updates. GlassFish continues to foster innovation in enterprise Java development.

Apache Camel 3.22.0

The latest version of Apache Camel, 3.22.0, introduces new features and enhancements to streamline integration patterns in Java applications. With improved support for reactive programming and a simplified DSL, developers can create more efficient and scalable integrations. Apache Camel's extensive library of components ensures seamless integration with various systems and protocols. This release also includes bug fixes and performance optimizations, making it a valuable tool for enterprise integration projects.

Gradle 8.6-RC1

Gradle, the popular build automation tool, tackles large-scale software projects with ease. The release of Gradle 8.6-RC1 brings new features and improvements, empowering developers to build robust and efficient Java applications. With enhanced support for Kotlin and dependency management, Gradle simplifies the build process and improves overall performance. The incremental build functionality saves time by only building changed components, reducing build times for large codebases.

Updated Draft Specification for JEP 455

JEP 455 proposes a new approach to handle final classes in Java. The updated draft specification introduces the concept of "sealed classes," allowing developers to have more control over class inheritance and extension. Sealed classes provide a mechanism for restricting which classes can extend a superclass, enhancing code maintainability and reducing unintended dependencies. This proposal reflects Java's commitment to continuous improvement and flexibility in software design and development.

Spring Retrospective: Celebrating 2023 Highlights

Spring, the popular Java framework for building enterprise applications, looks back on a successful year full of achievements and advancements. In 2023, Spring continued to evolve, with major releases like Spring Framework 6.0 and Spring Boot 3.0. These releases brought new features, improved performance, and enhanced support for reactive programming. Additionally, Spring expanded its ecosystem with various projects, including Spring Data, Spring Security, and Spring Cloud, empowering developers to create robust and scalable applications.

BellSoft: Reflecting on a Year of Java Innovation

BellSoft, a leading provider of Java runtimes and support, reflects on a year filled with exciting developments. In 2023, BellSoft released Liberica JDK 19, a highly performant and secure distribution of OpenJDK. With extended support contracts and long-term support options, BellSoft ensures stability and reliability for Java applications. BellSoft also made significant contributions to the OpenJDK community, actively participating in the evolution of Java and fostering innovation within the Java ecosystem.

WildFly: A Year of Advancements in Java Application Server Technology

WildFly, the open-source Java application server, achieved several milestones in 2023. The latest releases brought improvements in clustering, performance, and support for the latest Java EE standards. WildFly's lightweight and modular architecture make it an excellent choice for Java developers, providing a flexible and efficient runtime environment. With its thriving community and continuous updates, WildFly continues to be a leading platform for hosting Java applications.

In Conclusion

The Java community remains active and vibrant, even during the quieter weeks. The release of Eclipse GlassFish 8.0.0-M1, Apache Camel 3.22.0, Gradle 8.6-RC1, and the updated draft specification for JEP 455 showcase the commitment to innovation and improvement within the Java ecosystem. Additionally, retrospectives from Spring, BellSoft, and WildFly highlight the significant achievements and advancements made in 2023. As we move into the new year, developers can look forward to further enhancements and exciting developments in the world of Java.