While it’s been known by many names, including J2EE and Java EE, Jakarta EE continues to be a simple yet highly flexible Java framework. And due to that simple yet flexible platform, Java developers are eagerly awaiting the release of Jakarta EE 11.
In this blog post, we take a look at what Jakarta EE is, who uses the Java development platform, and what’s coming in Jakarta EE 11. You’ll learn:
Jakarta EE is an open-source set of specifications that helps developers elevate their Java application to new levels. It is maintained by the Eclipse Foundation Project.
Jakarta EE is highly flexible and simple to set up, requiring less configuration compared to other frameworks. This allows users to get started on their application quickly. Jakarta EE also gives developers the freedom to use any Jakarta EE-compatible runtimes such as GlassFish, Payara, and WildFly.
🔎 Learn more about Jakarta EE: Read the blog.
Who Uses Jakarta EE?
Jakarta EE is primarily used for creating APIs that enable communication between different applications. It is a mature, open-source, feature-rich framework enabling you to elevate your application with ease.
What Happened to Java EE?
Jakarta EE was referred to as J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition) in its first iteration. After being renamed from J2EE to Java EE, the project went through a second name change after it migrated from Oracle to the Eclipse Foundation in 2017. It is now known as Jakarta EE after a community poll for a new name.
Despite the naming musical chairs, J2EE, Java EE, and Jakarta EE all refer to a set of enterprise specifications that extend Java SE.
Changes in Jakarta EE 11
Jakarta EE 11 is currently under development and review. When released, Jakarta EE 11 is expected to be the first major release for Jakarta EE. The biggest proposed change is that Java SE 17 will become the minimum runtime supported by compatible implementations of Jakarta EE.
Other notable changes include:
- Jakarta Data
- Jakarta NoSQL
- Significant updates to core Jakarta EE specifications
Timeline for Jakarta EE 11
As of this writing, Jakarta EE 11 is still scheduled to be released in late 2024, but the days are dwindling to meet that timeline. The release of Jakarta EE 11 had been originally slated for June/July of 2024, but was bumped to later in the year because the release was still in development and review. A new target date has not been set.
While the Eclipse Foundation has not stated an official reason for the delay, it is likely due to ongoing work to integrate new features and ensure compatibility with Java 21.
🆕 Further reading: Learn more about the latest Java LTS release.
Final Thoughts
Jakarta EE 11 is just one tool in your Java development toolbox. Here’s another one that you don’t have to wait for: JRebel. By eliminating redeploys, your team could save upwards of a month of Java development time annually.
Try JRebel With Jakarta EE
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