Modernize Java with Cursor and GitLab

The process of modernizing from Java 8 to Java 21 is complex and multifaceted, affecting build, runtime, dependencies, APIs, and more, necessitating careful management and review to ensure safety and reliability. The AI coding agent Cursor excels at addressing specific, bounded issues, such as identifying and fixing failing tests, but cannot independently determine the safety of a multi-step migration, which is where GitLab's Duo Agent Platform offers support by orchestrating AI workflows throughout the software lifecycle. By integrating the GitLab Model Context Protocol (MCP) server with Cursor, developers can bring project context into the IDE, enabling them to tackle modernization tasks while adhering to quality gates, CI/CD standards, and review protocols. This integration facilitates a structured progression through the modernization process, with Cursor handling implementation and GitLab providing the necessary proof and oversight, ensuring that every agent-created change is reviewed, tested, and traceable. The tutorial outlined three use cases for this approach: fixing a failing test, preparing for Java 21 modernization, and updating HTTP connection handling, demonstrating the importance of starting with small, reviewable changes and building upon them incrementally to ensure a safe and trustworthy migration process.

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