Extended Support Ends for Java 7: A Decade-Old Version Reaches Its Final Milestone
The end of extended support for Java 7 is imminent, marking the close of a significant chapter in the evolution of Java. As of July 2022, Oracle will cease extended support for Java 7, a version that has been in use for nearly 11 years. This transition signifies that Java 7 will no longer receive any updates or enhancements beyond its Sustaining Support phase, as outlined by Oracle’s Lifetime Support Policy. This means users can expect no further patch updates, bug fixes, security updates, or new features, and only minimal support will be available.
Java 7, released on July 28, 2011, represented a major update after a five-year gap, and was the first major release under Oracle’s management following its acquisition of Sun Microsystems in 2010. The release was significant as it introduced several key enhancements and updates, including improvements in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and the introduction of new language features. However, with the end of extended support, users of Java 7 will find that certain older Oracle Fusion Middleware products will no longer have a certified Java Development Kit (JDK) available.
Oracle’s recommendation for users of Java SE 7 is to upgrade to a supported version of the Java platform, such as Java SE 8 or Java SE 11. This recommendation is crucial as newer versions of Java provide improved features, security enhancements, and long-term support. The company’s support bulletin, updated on July 22, 2022, emphasizes the importance of this transition to ensure continued stability and security for Java applications.
According to a study by application monitor New Relic released in April, 1.71% of applications were still utilizing Java 7 in production environments. The study highlighted that many of these applications, along with those using Java 6, were legacy systems that had not yet been upgraded. This statistic underscores the challenge faced by organizations in maintaining and updating older Java applications.
As the Java ecosystem continues to evolve, the latest version, Java 18, is scheduled to receive Premier-level support with essential updates and 24×7 service only until September. In contrast, Java 17, a long-term-support release, will benefit from several years of Premier support, providing stability and reliability for longer-term use. Oracle has published a detailed roadmap for support across various Java versions, aiding users in planning their upgrades and ensuring continued compatibility.
In summary, the approaching end of extended support for Java 7 marks a pivotal moment for users and organizations still relying on this legacy version. Upgrading to newer, supported versions is essential for maintaining application security and functionality, and users are encouraged to follow Oracle’s guidance to ensure a smooth transition to more current Java releases.