The Eclipse Foundation has released the latest version of its enterprise Java application platform in Jakarta EE 11, promising simpler data access, streamlined testing processes, and Java 21 support.

The foundation highlights revamped Test Compatibility Kits (TCKs) in the latest update, alongside the new Jakarta Data specification, and support for the latest Java LTS release, enabling devs to leverage enhancements in Java 21.

These include Virtual Threads, which can enable apps, especially microservices, to handle vast numbers of concurrent tasks with better efficiency.

The new Jakarta Data specification is described as designed to simplify data access and improve developer productivity, standardizing the repository pattern for data access and reducing the complexity of the underlying persistence logic.

Core functionality in the specification includes a built-in repository supertype for performing basic operations on entities, and another for basic CRUD (create, read, update, and delete) operations, to make database interactions simpler and less fallible.

Features of Jakarta EE 11

Jakarta EE 11 is the third update to be handled by the Eclipse Foundation since taking over development of enterprise Java from Oracle in 2017.

Alongside Java 21, the latest version has been verified to work with Java 17.

To achieve a simpler and more current programming model, the new release deprecates Managed Beans for removal, and sees Java SE Security Manager eschewed to enable more modern security practices - hopefully meaning fewer legacy security issues in network-exposed services.

Participating in development of the release were Microsoft, Red Hat, and Big Red itself, and Oracle.

Microsoft’s Scott Hunter, vice president of product, Azure developer experience, commented: “Our collaboration with esteemed partners IBM, Red Hat, and Oracle has been instrumental in supporting Jakarta EE 11 runtimes on Azure, including Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure Red Hat OpenShift, and App Service.”

Rolled out on Wednesday, Jakarta EE 11 is available now, with more information available on the Jakarta EE website.