Lancaster University alumnus Jonathan De Vita learned to dissect complex computer systems and write the code that makes them function while studying for his computer science degree. This article will look at Java, a computer programming language that has been in use for over 20 years, providing an overview of current Java trends.
In the ever-evolving world of software programming languages, Java has maintained its edge in creating complex software across integrated systems. With a user base of more than nine million developers, Java is continuing its incredible journey, with its integration with cloud services becoming more seamless – enabling apps to adapt to dynamic user demands and more efficiently handle traffic spikes.
One of the longest-running and most widely used programming languages globally, Java has many industrial applications, including everything from banking programs to industrial applications. Efficient, expeditious Java code generation is crucial to ensure the performance, reliability and security of such systems.
In the digital age, computer programming is a key competency. Popular and versatile, Java remains one of the most desirable aptitudes in software development. With the advent of AI and machine learning, there is an ever-increasing need to automate the code-generation process to increase efficiency and drive down development labour costs. In recent years, generative AI like ChatGPT has increasingly been integrated into software creation, particularly Java development. Experts suggest that use of ChatGPT in Java development will pave the way for significant labour cost savings, as well as reducing the time needed to complete individual projects.
A paper published by Frontiers explored Java software development through chatbots. The researchers explored scenarios where chatbots, particularly ChatGPT, could effectively use existing code bases, design patterns and libraries to accelerate development tasks in the Java ecosystem. As the research team pointed out, understanding this dynamic is integral to gaining a better idea of the practical usefulness of chatbots in real-world software development scenarios. The results of the study have important applications for Java development practice, highlighting the potential of chatbots to optimise certain development tasks and contribute to the more efficient mobilisation of human resources in software development projects.
According to the study, ChatGPT demonstrated a high level of efficiency in solving a diverse range of coding tasks. However, certain areas were identified where other generative AI models may be superior to ChatGPT, suggesting the need to select AI tools carefully depending on the specific task. The study further highlighted the importance of continuous reviews, adaptation and improvement of AI models in line with the specific requirements of software development.
Just as AI can be leveraged to make software development in the Java programming language more efficient, Java’s robust ecosystem equally supports the development of AI. Java’s portability, security and performance making it a preferred choice for developers working on AI projects. In microservices architecture, Java frameworks like Quarkus and Spring Boot are simplifying creation and deployment, enabling developers to build modular applications that enhance scalability and maintainability.
Project Loom was established to simplify concurrent programming through the development of lightweight, user-mode threads. Through this research programme, computer scientists hope to improve performance and scalability in Java applications, making it easier to write and maintain high-throughput concurrent code.
Java remains one of the leading programming languages globally, with 30% of developers citing it as their go-to option. The coding language excels in big data and analytics thanks to its integration with innovative tools like Hadoop, Kafka and Apache Spark, enabling developers to process vast datasets for real-time analytics, IoT solutions and predictive modelling. Java continues to evolve thanks to initiatives like Project Loom, becoming faster and more efficient and maintaining its position as an essential tool for building AI solutions, IoT systems, scalable microservices and cloud-native applications.
