Time for Spring Cleaning: Java Says Goodbye to an Old Friend
Hey everyone, John here! Today, we’re diving into a little bit of news from the world of computer programming. It’s about a very popular programming language called Java, which is used to build all sorts of things, from mobile apps to large corporate systems. A change is coming, but don’t worry, we’re going to break it down so it’s easy for anyone to understand. It’s basically a bit of digital spring cleaning!
What’s the Big News with Java?
Imagine Java as a giant, powerful toolbox that programmers use to build software. This toolbox is officially called the JDK (Java Development Kit). Just like with our smartphones, this toolbox gets regular updates. The next big update, JDK 25, is scheduled for this September.
But programmers are always looking ahead! Work has already started on the version after that, JDK 26, which is expected around March of next year. And the very first feature planned for this future update is not an addition, but a removal. They are officially taking out something called the Java Applet API.
Lila: “Hold on, John. You’re using some techy words already! What exactly is a JDK and an API?”
Ah, great question, Lila! Let’s clear that up.
- The JDK, or Java Development Kit, is the complete set of tools a developer needs to write, test, and run Java programs. Think of it as the master toolbox for a Java carpenter.
- An API stands for Application Programming Interface. That sounds complicated, but it’s really just like a menu at a restaurant. It lists all the pre-made commands and functions a programmer can use without having to build them from scratch. So, the “Applet API” is a specific “menu” of tools for making Applets.
So, in simple terms, the people who manage Java are removing one of the old menus from their toolbox because nobody orders from it anymore.
So, What Was a Java Applet Anyway?
Let’s take a little trip back in time to the early days of the internet. Back then, web pages were mostly static—just text and images. A Java Applet was a special, small Java program that could be embedded directly into a webpage and run inside your web browser.
This was revolutionary at the time! It allowed for interactive animations, games, and calculators right on a website. Think of it as one of the first ways to make a website feel “alive” before modern web technologies became common. However, its time in the spotlight has long since passed.
Why Is the Applet API Being Removed?
This removal isn’t a sudden decision. It’s been a long time coming. The journey to removing the Applet API started years ago. Back in 2017, with the release of JDK 9, it was officially “deprecated.”
Lila: “Okay, another new word! What does ‘deprecated’ mean?”
You got it, Lila. “Deprecated” is the official tech term for labeling something as obsolete and on its way out. It’s a warning to programmers that says, “Hey, this feature is old, you shouldn’t use it for new projects, and we’re planning to remove it completely in a future update.” It’s like a ‘going out of business’ sale sign for a piece of code.
Then, in 2021, it was marked as “deprecated for removal,” which was the final warning. Now, with JDK 26, it’s finally being removed for good. Here are the main reasons why:
- Browser Support Vanished: The most important reason is that modern web browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) stopped supporting Java Applets years ago. If the browsers won’t run them, there’s no reason to keep the tools to build them.
- A Better Tool Came Along: A different programming language called JavaScript (which, despite the name, is very different from Java!) became the standard for making websites interactive. JavaScript runs directly in the browser and is what powers most of the dynamic features you see on websites today. Applets simply lost out to a better, more integrated technology.
- Security Concerns: The article mentions that Java Applets also had a history of security vulnerabilities. This made running them risky, and it’s a big reason why browser makers were eager to move on.
- It’s Unused and Unusable: Because of all these factors, the Applet API is now gathering dust. The official plan to remove it—called a JEP—notes there’s simply no reason to keep it around.
Lila: “What’s a JEP?”
Good catch! A JEP stands for JDK Enhancement Proposal. It’s just the formal, organized way that developers propose and track changes to Java. Think of it as the official project plan for any update, whether it’s adding a new feature or removing an old one like this.
What Else Is Coming to Java?
While the Applet removal is the first confirmed change for JDK 26, the article mentions that other new features currently being tested in JDK 25 might also make their way into it. These are a bit more technical, but they include things like better ways to handle encryption, more efficient ways to manage multiple programming tasks at once, and other under-the-hood improvements to make Java more powerful and easier to use.
It’s also interesting to note the difference in support for these releases.
Lila: “The article says JDK 25 is an ‘LTS’ release, but JDK 26 is not. What does that mean for people who use Java?”
That’s a key point, Lila! LTS stands for Long-Term Support. An LTS version, like the upcoming JDK 25, is a major, stable release that Oracle (the company that leads Java’s development) promises to support with updates and security patches for a long time—in this case, five years. Large companies love LTS releases because they can build important applications on them and know they’ll be safe and stable for years.
A non-LTS release, like JDK 26 will be, has a much shorter support window—just six months. These versions often introduce newer features for developers to try out, but they aren’t meant for long-term projects. It’s like the difference between a car model built for reliability over a decade versus a concept car that shows off new ideas.
My Thoughts on This Change
John: From my perspective, this is a perfect example of healthy technological evolution. It’s like cleaning out your garage. Getting rid of old, unused, and insecure tools makes everything tidier, safer, and lighter. It shows that the people behind Java are focused on keeping the language modern and relevant for the future.
Lila: As someone new to this, it makes perfect sense! If a tool is no longer used, and a better, safer one has replaced it, then it’s smart to officially retire it. It probably makes it less confusing for people who are just starting to learn Java, since they won’t have to wonder about this old “Applet” thing.
This article is based on the following original source, summarized from the author’s perspective:
Java Applet API removal slated for JDK 26