In the rapidly evolving digital age, where new technologies are constantly emerging, it's a challenge for most technologies to maintain relevance for more than ten years.
For years, Softjourn has leveraged Java for software development across industries, helping companies build scalable, secure, and high-performance applications. However, as technology evolves, many businesses wonder whether Java remains a relevant choice.
In this article, we explore Java’s enduring role in modern development, its continued demand, and why it remains a trusted technology for enterprises worldwide.
Is Java still used in 2025?
Despite the fact that the Java programming language has been around for 29 years as of 2025, it is still widely used for software development. And that's putting it lightly!
With over 90% of Fortune 500 companies employing Java, and consistently ranking among the top ten most popular programming languages in the world, Java is going stronger than ever in 2025.
Softjourn's Long-term Java engineer, Orest Guziy, said that Java has been getting more attention than ever since Java changed release processes to every 6 months.
So to jump to the chase, yes, Java is still extremely relevant in 2025. Will it continue to stay popular over the next few years? Keep reading to find out!
Java's Popularity Over the Years
Java is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, and its popularity has only grown since its launch in 1995. In this section, we will explore some statistics on Java's popularity from various surveys and indices, highlighting its continued relevance and importance in the software development industry.
TIOBE Index
According to the TIOBE Index, Java has been the most popular programming language globally since 2001, except for a few years when it was temporarily surpassed by C and C++.
Stack Overflow Developer Survey
In the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2024, Java was the seventh most commonly used language, with 30.35% of respondents saying they use it regularly.
GitHub State of the Octoverse Report
GitHub's 2024 State of the Octoverse report found that Java was the fourth most popular language on their platform, regarding the number of users contributing to projects, after Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
Indeed
According to Indeed in 2024, Java is the third most in-demand programming language, after Python and JavaScript, with an average salary of $90,825 in the United States.
Why is Java one of the Most Popular Languages Over the Years
Java has been one of the most popular programming languages for several years, and its popularity has remained steady over time. Since its introduction in 1995, it has consistently been among the top programming languages used in industry and academia.
Even though there are newer languages out there, Java has remained popular due to its versatility and robustness. It can be used for everything from developing Android apps to building enterprise-level applications.
Sure, there are some drawbacks to using Java – it can be slower than other languages and it isn’t the easiest language to learn – but overall, it is still a very strong option for developers.
Arkadiusz Drysch, CTO and Java expert at Stratoflow said:
"Java is a great support for advanced applications. This programming language enables to build high-performance software that is scalable, efficient, and secure. Such systems developed in Java are capable of processing a million queries per second. For this and many other reasons, Java remains a world-class leader when it comes to building back-end applications."
Finally, the continuous evolution of the Java language, with new features and updates being added regularly, has helped to keep it relevant and popular over the years.
Java Popularity in 2025
Even after nearly three decades since its inception, Java is still heavily used by a significant number of programmers, and a plethora of products are being built using it.
According to the November 2024 TIOBE Programming Community index, which is an indicator of how widely used a programming language is, Java ranked third, just behind Python and C++, with a positive change, showing Java is on the rise.
Similarly, the RedMonk Programming Language Rankings for Q3 2024 ranked Java as the third most popular language, after Python and JavaScript, based on data from GitHub and Stack Overflow.
This year, an international job search site in the IT industry, DevJobsScanner, studied over 12 million job vacancies and found out that Java is in the top three of the most demanded languages after JavaScript and Python.
Additionally, ‘Learn Java’ is the second most popular keyword search for those wanting to learn how to code, with a total number of 84,000 average monthly searches across YouTube and Google combined.
With Java's consistent rankings as a top three programming language, it is not surprising that there is a growing need for Java developers across the globe, with an estimated 8 million currently employed in this field, as well as opportunities to come, with a projected 18.7 million Java developer jobs to be created from 2024 to 2026.
A large talent pool of skilled yet cost-effective Java developers makes it easy for businesses to find the right developers to meet their needs. This is one of the main reasons why many companies choose to utilize affordable Java developers when seeking to expand their operations.
What is Java used for widely?
Having established that Java is still one of the most widely used technologies, the question now is: What will its main applications be in 2025? Let us dive into each field and examine its uses in greater detail.
Cloud-based Applications
Java is well-suited for utility computing, which refers to cloud-based applications that rely on internet computing. Cloud computing has five key attributes, including on-demand capability, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.
Java can be used to develop cloud applications in three delivery models, including IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS, and there are several cloud building tools available for Java, such as AWS SDK for Java, Oracle Cloud service, and Google App Engine. Many companies are hiring Java developers to assist with transitioning to the cloud for improved business continuity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Mobile Applications
The technology stack used for developing mobile apps depends on the target platform. While Objective-C and Swift are used for developing iOS apps, Android apps are primarily built using Java.
Java is the preferred language for Android app development because Android is used on 80% of devices globally, whereas iOS is only used on 16%.
Java's platform independence is a key advantage for those looking to build both Android and iOS applications. This makes it a popular choice for businesses developing cross-platform applications.
As a language that can run on any operating system, it eliminates the need for developers to write and maintain separate codebases for different platforms. This can save businesses time and resources, allowing them to focus on delivering their product to a wider audience.
Desktop Applications
Java provides several advantages for desktop applications. It is platform-independent, which means that it can run on any operating system, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it an ideal choice for businesses that need to develop cross-platform applications.
Additionally, Java's robustness and security features make it a preferred language for developing desktop applications, especially for enterprise-level software.
With Java, developers have access to a large number of libraries and frameworks, which provide them with tools for creating rich and interactive user interfaces.
Furthermore, Java's automatic memory management feature allows for efficient memory usage, which can be critical for large desktop applications.
Web-based Apps
Java offers the benefits of simplified coding and enhanced security, making it an excellent choice for developing applications in areas such as healthcare, education, and insurance.
The language is compatible with a range of tools, including Servlets, Hibernate, Spring, Struts, Apache HTTP web-server, Apache Tomcat, and Thymeleaf, among others, which can be utilized to develop a wide range of web-based applications.
E-commerce web applications also commonly use Java, often leveraging open-source eCommerce platforms such as Broadleaf. Additionally, numerous popular web-based applications, including Gmail, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, are built using Java.
Embedded Systems
Java is widely used in embedded systems, which form the foundation of numerous products, machines, and intelligent operations such as machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
There are four main types of embedded systems: real-time, stand-alone, networked, and mobile. Nowadays, it is rare to find a product that does not use embedded systems, even appliances like refrigerators and microwaves. Java is the primary programming language used in almost all of these systems.
Java's Evolution in 2025: Trends and Updates
Java remains a cornerstone of modern software development, powering everything from mobile and web applications to enterprise systems. As we move into 2025, Java continues to evolve, adapting to emerging technologies and addressing the demands of developers worldwide.
Softjourn's Java Engineer, Orest Guziy, said, "Java's integration with trending technologies, such as cloud-native development, microservices architecture, and AI/Machine Learning, got a significant boost and continues to evolve."
Here’s a look at the top trends and updates shaping Java’s development landscape:
1. The Rise of Cloud-Native Development
Java’s deepening integration with cloud services is redefining scalability and adaptability. By enabling applications to efficiently handle traffic surges and dynamic workloads, Java solidifies its role as a critical tool for creating robust cloud-native solutions.
2. Microservices Architecture Gaining Momentum
Java frameworks like Spring Boot and Quarkus are leading the charge in microservices development. These frameworks simplify the creation of modular applications, offering developers enhanced scalability, maintainability, and flexibility.
3. AI and Machine Learning Integration
With its reliability, portability, and vast ecosystem, Java continues to be a preferred language for developing AI and machine learning applications. Libraries and frameworks like Deep Java Library (DJL) and ND4J make Java a compelling choice for cutting-edge AI innovations.
4. Innovations from Project Valhalla
Java’s Project Valhalla introduces value types that enhance performance and reduce memory overhead. By enabling efficient data handling, these features are expected to streamline development for high-performance applications.
5. Lightweight Concurrency with Project Loom
Project Loom brings virtual threads, simplifying concurrent programming and boosting Java’s scalability. This innovation makes handling high-throughput applications more intuitive while reducing the complexity of concurrent code.
6. Modular Libraries and Compact Object Headers
Java continues to streamline development with modular library imports and optimizations like compact object headers, reducing memory usage and improving deployment efficiency.
7. Deprecations and Security Updates
Java is phasing out legacy features like the 32-bit x86 port while introducing runtime warnings for deprecated sun.misc.Unsafe methods. These changes enhance security and simplify the ecosystem for modern applications.
8. Simplifying Development for Beginners
Java is focusing on accessibility for new developers with features like Simple Source Files, allowing beginners to write functional Java programs with minimal setup.
JDK 24: A Preview of What’s to Come
Scheduled for release in March 2025, JDK 24 is packed with features that reflect Java’s forward-thinking ethos:
- Structured Concurrency API: Simplifies concurrent programming by treating related tasks as a unified workflow.
- Quantum-Resistant Security: Lattice-based algorithms for encryption safeguard against potential quantum computing threats.
- Generational Shenandoah GC: Enhances garbage collection for better throughput and memory efficiency.
- Ahead-of-Time Class Loading: Speeds up application startup by preloading and linking classes.
Java in the Enterprise World: How Major Companies Leverage Java for Success
Major companies widely use Java due to its security, scalability, and compatibility features. Notable examples include Microsoft, which runs over 2 million JVMs and uses Java extensively in LinkedIn, Bing, and Yammer; Google, for backend networking and user interfaces; Amazon, for backend software engineering; Accenture, for its stable and scalable systems; and Uber, which integrates Java into its tech stack for a secure and efficient system.
Other significant users are Spotify, Netflix, Instagram, eBay, Airbnb, and Zillow, each leveraging Java for various backend and server-side developments. These companies demonstrate Java's versatility and its pivotal role in modern enterprise applications.
Java Case Studies
1. Future-Proofing UPC’s Open Banking Platform: A Strategic AWS Migration
Softjourn leveraged Java to modernize UPC’s financial operations, migrating its on-premise infrastructure to AWS to meet new regulations and enhance scalability. By utilizing Java’s robust capabilities in conjunction with serverless AWS architecture, Softjourn ensured seamless PCI DSS compliance and improved performance. This phased migration not only reduced costs but also positioned UPC for future growth while maintaining the reliability of critical services like card transactions and APIs. Read Full Case Study.
Key Results:
- Enhanced scalability and security for financial operations.
- Streamlined compliance with strict financial regulations.
- Reduced operational costs through serverless technologies.
2. Elasticsearch Optimization for an Expense Management Leader
For an expense management leader, Softjourn utilized Java to overhaul and upgrade a complex Elasticsearch system from version 2.3.4 to 7.9. Java’s efficiency was pivotal in developing a custom comparison tool that validated the accuracy of search queries before launching the new version. This tool also enabled smoother future upgrades, ensuring minimal downtime and improved scalability. Read Full Case Study.
Key Results:
- 0.02% error margin in over 500,000 search queries.
- Faster and more accurate search functionalities.
- Streamlined future Elasticsearch upgrades.
3. SecuTix: Supporting Business Growth with Salesforce Integration
Softjourn developed a Salesforce plugin using Java to seamlessly integrate SecuTix’s ticketing system with third-party databases. The integration enabled real-time updates for venues, events, and ticket availability while securely synchronizing customer data across systems. Java’s adaptability ensured reliable performance and scalability as SecuTix expanded its global operations. Read Full Case Study.
Key Results:
- Enhanced data synchronization and real-time updates.
- Increased ticket sales by enabling broader event processing.
- Improved customer relationship management with Salesforce integration.
Why Java Will Remain a Top Programming Language in 2025
Java remains a popular programming language with a vast ecosystem, strong community, and proven track record. Its ability to support various platforms, including cloud and mobile, makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking to develop and scale applications.
While Java has pros and cons, we predict it will continue to be a dominant programming language. Plus, with the rise of technologies such as AI and DevOps, the demand to hire Java developers will continue to grow in the coming years.
If you're looking to extend your team with Java talent, Softjourn has expert Java developers who can help you build or expand your solution. Contact us today to get an estimate for your project!
