On May 23, 2025, the Java programming language officially turned 30 years old. Originally developed at Sun Microsystems under the name “Oak,” Java was publicly released in 1995 and quickly became a pillar of enterprise computing. Its tagline—“Write Once, Run Anywhere”—transformed software development by promising cross-platform compatibility, and its impact continues to resonate across industries and generations of developers.
From Set-Top Boxes to Global Infrastructure
Java began as a language for digital consumer devices but found its true home on the World Wide Web—a nascent platform in the 1990s. With its robust security model, simplified syntax compared to C++, and the promise of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), it rapidly gained traction among developers and enterprises. By the early 2000s, Java had become the de facto standard for enterprise software development.
Java was not without challenges. Microsoft’s incompatible Visual J++ implementation triggered a high-profile lawsuit, and JVM inconsistencies led developers to joke that WORA actually stood for “Write Once, Test Everywhere.” Yet despite such hurdles, Java matured into one of the most trusted platforms in computing.
The Sun Sets, Oracle Rises
In 2010, Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems, inheriting the stewardship of Java. While Oracle has invested heavily in Java’s development, including through the OpenJDK community, the company’s shift to a subscription-based licensing model sparked industry backlash. Critics claimed that Oracle’s licensing changes risked undermining the trust developers had placed in the platform.
Still, Java thrived. A 2025 survey by Azul found that 99% of organizations continue to rely on Java in their infrastructure. In response to Oracle’s licensing model, many have migrated to OpenJDK or alternative Java distributions.
A Language That Continues to Evolve
One of Java’s greatest strengths has been its capacity for reinvention. From applets and servlets to modern microservices and cloud-native architectures, Java has evolved alongside technology trends. Recent releases such as Java 21 and the upcoming JDK 25 introduce performance enhancements and language features that keep Java competitive in today’s software ecosystem.
Java’s continued relevance is also evident in its expanding use in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and edge technologies. The OpenJDK community and vendors like Azul are ensuring that Java remains a platform for modern innovation—not just legacy systems.
Looking Ahead
Thirty years in, Java is no longer the new kid on the block, but it remains essential. Developers trust it. Enterprises depend on it. And a vibrant ecosystem of contributors ensures its continued growth. As Kohsuke Kawaguchi, creator of Jenkins, put it: “Clearly, it’s not going away”.
Java at 30 is more than a milestone—it’s a testament to the enduring value of a platform that prioritized portability, scalability, and reliability from the start. As it enters its fourth decade, Java is poised to remain not just relevant, but central to the next era of software development.
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