Over the last few years, modularity for Java has been an active discussion topic. From the (now defunct) JSR 277 to the recognition of JSR 291 and the ongoing JSR 294, modularity is seen as a necessary step in Java's evolution. Even future JVM-based languages like Scala are considering modularity. So, what does modularity mean, and why should you care?
Java module systems has received a lot of attention lately. One reason for that was the controversy regarding JSR-277 which partially duplicated OSGi. Another was the plans for Java 7. In this article Lukas Krecan gives us a round-up of the current solutions and presents his concern on upcoming solutions like project Project Jigsaw and JSR-294.
InfoQ recently sat down with Peter Kriens of the OSGi Alliance to learn more about OSGi. Kriens discussed OSGi's origins in the mobile space, it's integration with Eclipse, the current integration work with Spring, and the future R5 specification. He also discussed the ongoing debate over OSGi and JSR 277, and gave his perspective on what an ideal solution would be for modularity at the JVM level.
Yesterday, Mark Reinhold posted the first public draft of the future of modularity in Java. As it is a draft, there are a handful of issues that still need to be agreed on - but it represents the consensus of what modularity in Java should look like. And with IBM being involved, there's more emphasis on interoperability with OSGi than there has been in the past.
Since the last bundle.update, a number of interesting events have occurred in the OSGi and modular Java space. JSR 294 has been (automatically) marked as inactive, the Enterprise Expert Group has released draft 4, WebSphere will allow direct running of OSGi applications and upcoming OSGi conferences have early bird discounts and call for speakers finishing soon.
In this article, Lukas Krecan, introduces the reader with some basic concepts of modularization, gives a roundup of some Java module systems and deals with how Project Jigsaw is connected to the upcoming Java 7.
Following up from an earlier post about modularising the JDK (which InfoQ covered earlier), Mark Reinhold posted the announcement of Project Jigsaw as part of the OpenJDK. Is this the death of JSR277?
Debate has once again arisen in the community around JSR 277, which is a proposed dynamic module system for Java 7. The flashpoint of the debate this time around is the version numbering system that is planned for JSR 277 Java Modules (JAMs). InfoQ examined the discussions and arguments to understand more about the current state of JSR 277 and it's acceptance by the community.
Last month we asked whether Sun were listening about OSGi; at JavaOne, it was clear that many others have. Not only are all of the main J2EE engines now OSGi-enabled, but Spring launched their OSGi-based Spring Source Application Platform. Fortunately, a number of positive changes have occurred behind the scenes with JSR277; read on for what's been happening.
