Will Java Finally Die in 2019 Like Flash?

Many wonder whether the venerable Java programming language will eventually succumb to the same fate as Flash. While Flash may have once dominated the web, its decline began a decade ago, and it was officially decommissioned in 2020. In contrast, Java has been a backbone of enterprise and backend systems for much longer and continues to evolve.

Java's Continued Relevance

As of now, Java is deeply ingrained in the technology landscape, serving as the foundation for numerous backend systems and applications. According to Java advocates, Oracle, and the larger software development community, Java is poised to remain a significant force in the programming world for quite some time.

The Oracle team is actively working on continuous updates and improvements, with new builds released every six months. These efforts ensure that Java maintains its competitiveness and relevance. With its latest features and support for modern paradigms, Java remains a strong candidate to thwart the rise of newer languages.

The Future of Java

However, the reality is that Java's usage in new applications is likely to wane over time. As older developers retire or move on to newer technologies, there will be less interest in maintaining the language. This shift is already evident as many younger and more agile developers prefer modern, efficient, and user-friendly languages that offer better developer experiences.

Moreover, the user experience (UX) of Java-based applications has been criticized. Traditional Java applications, especially those from Oracle, have often been plagued by poor UX. In the era of modern, intuitive, and highly polished applications, it's difficult for Java to compete. This trend is driving developers to opt for newer technologies that offer better UX and development efficiency.

The Role of User Experience

The decline of Java is not necessarily due to the language itself but rather the inability of Java developers to keep up with modern UX standards. User experience is a growing expectation in business applications. The rising demand for intuitive, user-friendly interfaces is pushing developers to migrate to languages that excel in this area.

Nassim Taleb's concept of antifragility further supports the idea that Java is more resilient than Flash. Antifragile systems not only withstand change but also thrive on it. Given Java's long history, widespread adoption in schools, and support from large organizations, it is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Moreover, as one of the most taught programming languages, Java continues to attract a new generation of developers.

While Java's dominance may be waning, it is still a robust and reliable choice for many enterprise applications. Its ongoing evolution, coupled with the efforts of major players like Oracle, ensures that Java remains a significant player in the programming world for the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, while Java may not be the future, it certainly has a future. The language may continue to play a crucial role in enterprise applications for years to come until it is replaced by newer technologies driven by user experience expectations and developer preferences.