Microsoft Offers Free Downloads of Microsoft Build for OpenJDK 21 and Announces Upcoming Availability in Azure PaaS
Microsoft Releases OpenJDK 21 Builds and Expands Azure PaaS Support
Following Oracle’s recent release of the Java 21 platform, Microsoft has announced its own build of OpenJDK 21, now available for free download. As of September 28, developers can access the Microsoft Build of OpenJDK 21 from learn.microsoft.com, with versions compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems. This move comes as part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to provide robust, open-source Java solutions to the development community.
New Features and Enhancements in Java 21
Java 21 introduces several new features aimed at improving both performance and developer experience. Among the highlights are simplified learning tools for beginners, including previews of unnamed classes, instance methods, patterns, and variables. Additionally, the Generational ZGC (Z Garbage Collector) is now available in preview, promising enhanced performance for applications requiring high levels of concurrency. The inclusion of virtual threads further supports high-throughput applications by making concurrent programming more efficient.
Microsoft’s Long-Term Support Commitment
Microsoft’s build of OpenJDK 21 is not only available for free but also comes with long-term support. The company has committed to providing quarterly updates for these binaries through microsoft.com/openjdk. This support aligns with Oracle’s designation of Java 21 as a long-term support (LTS) release, which guarantees at least eight years of support. In addition to JDK 21, Microsoft also offers long-term support builds for JDK 17 and JDK 11, continuing their commitment to providing stable and reliable Java solutions since the launch of Microsoft Build of OpenJDK in April 2021.
Expansion into Azure PaaS Services
In a further expansion of its Java support, Microsoft announced that JDK 21 will soon be integrated into Azure Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offerings. This integration will allow developers to leverage the latest Java features directly within Azure’s cloud environment, enhancing their ability to build and deploy applications at scale. Microsoft is also introducing a proof-of-concept tool called the Windows Container JVM Launcher. This tool enables Java applications to run inside Windows Containers with process isolation mode, facilitating more secure and efficient containerized deployments.
Why It Matters for Developers
For developers, the availability of Microsoft Build for OpenJDK 21 represents a valuable resource for accessing the latest advancements in the Java ecosystem. The combination of new language features and Microsoft’s commitment to long-term support provides a compelling reason to explore Java 21 for new projects or to upgrade existing applications. Furthermore, the integration with Azure PaaS services and the introduction of container-based tools offer practical solutions for deploying Java applications in a cloud-native environment.
Looking Ahead
As the software development landscape continues to evolve, the release of OpenJDK 21 by Microsoft and its subsequent integration into Azure cloud services underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the latest technologies and improving developer workflows. By providing up-to-date, long-term supported Java binaries and expanding their cloud service offerings, Microsoft is positioning itself as a key player in the Java ecosystem, helping developers to stay ahead in a rapidly changing technological landscape.