Oracle has announced the launch of Java 25, the latest version of the world’s most widely used programming language. The update arrives in the year marking its 30th anniversary, with a clear message: Java is not outdated; it’s a tool ready to meet the challenges of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
Java 25 includes 18 official enhancements (JEPs) aimed at three main goals: making life easier for novice programmers, boosting performance in modern applications—including those involving AI—and strengthening security, even with an eye on future quantum computing.
Moreover, this version will be a long-term support (LTS) release, with guaranteed updates for at least 8 years, providing businesses and governments a stable foundation to continue working without fear of falling behind.
Less “boilerplate,” more accessible for learning and programming
One of Java’s historical critiques has been its excessive “ceremony”: too much mandatory code even for simple programs. Java 25 introduces changes designed for beginners, students, and system administrators:
- Compact source files: it is now possible to write basic programs without the classic
public static void main(String[] args)line. This simplifies learning and scripting small projects. - Simplified module imports: no longer needing to navigate complex hierarchies of libraries, making third-party code reuse easier.
The goal is clear: keep Java attractive for beginners and ensure its learning curve isn’t a barrier in a landscape where Python and JavaScript have become popular options in education.
Better prepared for AI, data, and parallel applications
The new Java is also aligned with the kinds of applications demanding high performance in 2025: artificial intelligence models, cloud services, and data platforms.
Some of the most notable updates include:
- Structured Concurrency: allows managing groups of parallel tasks as a single unit. It reduces errors, makes code more predictable, and improves performance in distributed applications.
- Scoped Values and Stable Values: facilitate sharing immutable data between threads, with less resource consumption and greater reliability.
- Vector API: now in its tenth iteration, enabling native utilization of processor vector instructions, essential for numerical calculations and AI inference.
Practically, these improvements make Java applications more competitive in fields previously seen as less accessible for the language—such as data science or high-concurrency systems.
Enhanced security and future-proofing for quantum computing
Security is another core pillar of this update. Java 25 includes:
- PEM encoding of cryptographic objects: simplifies integration with certificates, keys, and modern authentication systems.
- New APIs for key derivation functions (KDF): vital for a future of post-quantum cryptography, where current algorithms may become obsolete.
With these changes, Java reaffirms its role in sectors where security is critical: banking, public administration, healthcare, or critical infrastructure.
Improved performance and diagnostics
Java 25 also enhances performance in more “invisible” but essential areas:
- Lower memory consumption through more compact object headers.
- Better problem diagnostics with a more precise Flight Recorder (JFR) to identify bottlenecks.
These improvements are aimed directly at cloud-native environments and cost-optimization in cloud deployments, reducing resource use and speeding up rollout times.
A veteran language that remains youthful
This year, Java celebrates 30 years. Born in 1995 as a language designed to simplify cross-platform development, Java has maintained a large community of programmers and companies relying on it for critical projects.
Far from stagnating, Java 25 proves that the language is still vibrant:
- It is more accessible to new users.
- It is better equipped for modern workloads (AI, data, concurrency).
- It strengthens its security, even in light of future challenges like quantum cryptography.
- And it offers long-term stability with extended support.
FAQ
How long will Java 25 be supported?
Oracle guarantees at least 8 years of support (through 2033), with quarterly security and performance updates.
What does Java 25 offer to a beginner?
Thanks to the compact source files, you can write simple programs without extra boilerplate code. This makes learning and scripting easier.
Is Java 25 designed for AI?
Yes. With the Vector API and concurrency improvements, Java can handle numerical calculations and parallel processes critical to AI applications.
Is it safe to rely on Java over other modern languages?
Java remains one of the most solid choices for long-term projects. Its blend of LTS support, security, and a global community keeps it competitive against alternatives like Python or Go.