As Java approaches its 30th anniversary, the programming world is taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of a language that has withstood the test of time. At the JavaOne 2025 conference this week, held in Redwood Shores, California, former Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy joined Oracle executives in celebrating Java’s longevity and continued relevance. Despite the rising popularity of newer languages like Python and Rust, Java continues to be a backbone for enterprise and mission-critical systems worldwide.
Scott McNealy, speaking during a keynote session, shared anecdotes from Java’s early days, highlighting its unexpected beginnings. He recounted how Java originated from a failed attempt to build a smart TV device—what he described as an “integrated clicker.” The hardware never made it to market, but the software platform born out of that effort became the Java language. A pivotal moment came when browser pioneer Marc Andreessen integrated Java into Netscape, leading to a rapid surge in downloads. McNealy credited this moment as a spark that helped launch the modern Internet, proudly stating that “Java is still top three in the world, and number one for people doing real enterprise work.”
Oracle, which has stewarded Java since acquiring Sun Microsystems in 2010, also emphasized the language’s vital role in the tech ecosystem. Georges Saab, senior vice president of Java development at Oracle, noted that 94 of the Fortune 100 companies rely on Java. Giants like Netflix, Uber, and LinkedIn continue to build and scale their platforms using Java. Saab underscored Java’s reputation for stability and performance in environments where uptime and scalability are paramount.
Mark Reinhold, Oracle’s chief architect of the Java platform, reinforced Java’s continued popularity, citing its widespread use among millions of developers building secure, scalable applications. He highlighted Java’s evolution, including regular feature updates and performance improvements, which have kept it relevant across decades of shifting development paradigms. As Java turns 30 on May 23, its enduring presence in both legacy and cutting-edge systems is a testament to its original vision and ongoing innovation.