Introducing Virtual Threads: Oracle’s Java Microservices Framework 4.0.0
Oracle is gearing up to enhance its Helidon framework with the upcoming 4.0.0 version, aimed at leveraging virtual threads to boost performance in cloud-native microservices development. Helidon, known for its Java libraries tailored for microservices, is currently in the alpha phase of development with significant updates planned.
One of the standout features of Helidon 4.0.0 is the introduction of Nima, a web server built on virtual threads. Virtual threads are lightweight JVM-managed threads designed to enhance scalability and concurrency without the overhead traditionally associated with thread management. Previewed in recent JDK releases, including JDK 20 and JDK 19, virtual threads promise simplified programming for high-throughput concurrent applications.
Developers interested in exploring Helidon 4.0.0 can access the alpha release via GitHub, with detailed setup instructions available on helidon.io. Nima, the new web server component, aligns with MicroProfile 5.0 standards and replaces the Netty NIO framework previously used in Helidon’s core. This shift underscores Oracle’s commitment to providing a low-overhead, reactive server architecture while maintaining compatibility with traditional blocking thread models.
Helidon 4.0.0 represents a major milestone with several backward-incompatible API changes, as noted in the latest release documentation. To leverage the alpha version, developers will need Java 19 or higher, with planned support for Java 20 in the near term and Java 21 by year-end. These updates ensure compatibility with the latest Java enhancements while offering robust tools for microservices development.
The framework supports two distinct programming models: Helidon MicroProfile Edition (ME), which embraces a declarative approach with built-in dependency injection for MicroProfile-compliant microservices, and Helidon SE (Standard Edition), featuring a lightweight, functional-style API for microframework applications. Helidon 3.2.0 remains the current stable release, with Helidon 4.0.0 poised to introduce groundbreaking improvements in performance and developer productivity.
As Oracle continues to refine Helidon with virtual thread integration and updated APIs, developers can anticipate a more efficient, scalable framework for building cloud-native microservices. These advancements not only streamline development workflows but also position Helidon as a competitive choice in the evolving landscape of Java-based microservices architectures.