Company
Date Published
Author
Baruch Sadogursky
Word count
915
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Java 16 introduces the jpackage tool, which simplifies the deployment of self-contained Java applications by creating native installers that include the application, dependencies, and a tailored Java Runtime Environment (JRE). This innovation follows the advent of Docker, which revolutionized application deployment by packaging the entire execution environment. jpackage, however, focuses on Java applications, providing a streamlined process that allows developers to create executable packages for various platforms without requiring the complete JRE. By utilizing jlink to craft a minimal JRE, developers can efficiently build and distribute Java applications. The tool does not aim to replace Docker but complements it by enabling standalone Java applications to run anywhere, ensuring platform independence and ease of distribution. To facilitate distribution, developers can use cloud services like JFrog Platform for hosting and serving these packages, enhancing accessibility and download speeds globally. This development addresses the perennial question faced by Java developers on how to efficiently package and deploy applications, making Java 16 a significant step forward for the Java community.