How's Your Java?

If you run IBM i you will doubtless be aware that Java has been available on that platform for many years. Java is an ever evolving language and ecosystem with new versions being released regularly and frequently. As IBM i users favour and rely upon the solid rock like foundations of the underlying system it is no surprise that not all releases of Java are available. Instead, only the Long Term Support (LTS) versions are provided, which ensures stability and reliability. The following table summarises available Java versions available on recent versions of the IBM i operating system:

*Java 7 was made available before the LTS methodology had been introduced.

Multiple versions of Java can be installed on the same IBM i, however, there is a default priority order to which one is used. The application (or its start-up) can specifically choose a version if configured.

❔ If my application runs on Java 8 will it be okay on a later version?
The answer is ‘probably’, but after Java 8 some things got taken away, so if the application in question used any of those features then it will likely fail. The application developer will be aware of this and be able to provide a compatible version of the application. When features are removed it is because they have been superseded by something better so the application developer will be able to switch to using these. If you wish to use a specific Java version it is always best to check with the application vendor that the application is compatible.

❔ What are the benefits of using a newer Java version?
There will probably be some performance improvements and resource optimisations. The main driver will be that the developer will be able to use the latest version of frameworks (such as Spring) or other tools which require a recent Java version. This enables the code base to keep pace with more recent innovations, which will filter down to you as an end user.

❔ Should we use Java for our in-house development?
Java is very well supported on the IBM i (as well as other platforms). Not only has it been in commercial use for over 25 years, it also embraces new ideas and technologies with each release. Java has consistently been one of the most popular programming languages over the last two decades. Some decisions you might worry about, the choice to use Java is not one of them.

If you need assistance establishing what version of Java is installed and/or which version PacSol recommend you run in support of our document management software on IBM i, please contact PacSol support.

Mark Wheadon. Managing Director at PacSol. November 2023

#pacsoluk #ibmi #documentmanagementsystem #documentmanagement #java