Java Long-Term Support Version 25 is now available for release
Java, the ubiquitous programming language, has taken another significant step forward with the release of JDK 25 on September 16, 2025. This Long-Term Support (LTS) version, the first since JDK 21 two years ago, brings 18 key enhancements to the platform, making it more approachable for beginners and improving performance, security, and developer productivity.
One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of succinct module imports, inspired by JDK 25's new succinct module system. This feature allows multiple packages to be imported with a single import statement, based on other modules that the imported module uses. This simplifies the coding process and makes the Java platform more modern and efficient.
Another significant update is the implementation of "Simple source files and instance main methods," introduced by the Java compiler group as part of Project Amber. This change means that a beginner's first Java program can now be as short as a single line of code, making the language more accessible to newcomers.
Oracle's stewardship of Java has been effective, but expensive for organizations unable to avoid the company's commercial builds. However, the release of JDK 25 includes beginner-friendly compact source files, succinct module imports, and more flexible constructors, which could help to level the playing field.
The FFM API, a significant update included in JDK 25, will gradually replace JNI for interop with native libraries. This update is expected to make Java development even more streamlined and efficient, as it replaces the brittle machinery of native methods and the JNI with a concise, readable, and pure-Java API.
Microsoft touts Visual Studio Code as a Java juggernaut, and with the improvements in JDK 25, it's easy to see why. Java, already an incredibly stable and mature ecosystem, continues to power huge amounts of enterprise applications. The JVM (Java Virtual Machine) is also preferred by some developers for coding in other languages such as Clojure (functional programming language) or JetBrains Kotlin (adopted by Google for Android development).
The Java community has welcomed the release of JDK 25 with open arms. Many organizations choose not to use releases with a short support life, making an LTS release like JDK 25 impactful. With improvements in performance, security, and developer productivity, it's clear that JDK 25 is a game-changer for Java and developers alike.
However, some argue that old Java programs continue to be needlessly verbose. The new features in JDK 25 aim to address this issue and make Java development more efficient and streamlined. With the release of JDK 25, Java remains a powerful and popular programming language, ranked third by analysts at Redmonk, after JavaScript and Python.
In addition, a release build of the OpenJDK version under the GPL (General Public License) for JDK 25 is now available. This open-source version allows developers to contribute to the Java platform and ensures its continued growth and development.
Finally, it's worth noting that AI model 'personalities' shape the quality of generated code. As Java continues to evolve, it's likely that AI will play an increasingly important role in its development and maintenance.
In conclusion, the release of JDK 25 marks an exciting new chapter for Java and its developers. With improvements in performance, security, and developer productivity, this LTS release is set to power enterprise applications for years to come. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned developer, JDK 25 is worth exploring.
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