Microsoft offers free downloads of Microsoft Build for OpenJDK 21 binaries and announces upcoming availability in Azure PaaS services.
Microsoft has recently made its own build of OpenJDK 21 available for free download, following Oracle’s release of Java 21. This release, which became accessible on September 28, is notable for its wide support across different operating systems including Linux, Windows, and Mac.
The Microsoft Build of OpenJDK 21, available from learn.microsoft.com, introduces several new features aimed at enhancing Java development. Among these features are simplified learning tools for newcomers to Java, such as previews of unnamed classes, instance methods, patterns, and variables. Additionally, the release includes the Generational ZGC (Z Garbage Collector) to improve performance and virtual threads designed to facilitate high-throughput concurrent applications.
Microsoft’s version of OpenJDK 21 will benefit from long-term support, with quarterly updates provided at no cost through microsoft.com/openjdk. This support extends to various other Java Development Kit (JDK) versions as well, including JDK 17 and JDK 11, which are also long-term support releases. Microsoft initially launched its Build of OpenJDK in April 2021, and this recent update continues its commitment to providing robust support for Java developers.
Furthermore, JDK 21 will soon be integrated into Azure Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offerings. Microsoft is also introducing a proof-of-concept tool, the Windows Container JVM Launcher, to facilitate Java execution within Windows Containers using process isolation mode.
In addition to these announcements, Microsoft released Semantic Kernel for Java version 0.2.9, currently in alpha. This lightweight SDK is designed to integrate large language models with Java applications, enabling developers to enhance their projects with generative AI through a seamless integration process.