Among its key features are the TCK (Test Compatibility Kits), the incorporation of the Jakarta Data specification, and significant updates to existing specifications, all designed to meet the evolving needs of developers and organizations building mission-critical applications.

“The Java renaissance for enterprise continues,” said Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation. “Jakarta EE 11 adds significant improvements to performance, testing, and productivity. The combination of innovation, stability, and API compatibility is exactly what enterprise application developers are looking for. Many people have worked on the development of this release, but I would like to acknowledge Microsoft’s efforts in leading this release and Red Hat for their efforts in modernizing compatibility testing environments.”

Key features of Jakarta EE 11:

Jakarta Data (new specification)
Designed to simplify data access and improve developer productivity:
Core repository: A built-in repository supertype for performing basic operations with entities.
CRUD Repository: Facilitates basic CRUD operations and optimizes database interactions, making them less prone to errors.
Pagination: Supports offset-based and cursor-based pagination.
Query Language: An optimized language designed to specify the semantics and query methods for Jakarta Data repositories.

Optimized Specifications
Designed to enable developers to build applications faster and more easily:
Removal of Managed Beans: Removed for a simpler and more modern programming model.
CDI Enhancements: Much greater emphasis on CDI (Context and Dependency Injection) for consistent application response.
Java Log Support: Greater integration to ensure data integrity and reduce boilerplate code.
Removal of Java SE SecurityManager References: In accordance with JEP 411, facilitates the implementation of more modern security measures.

Modernized TCK Environment:
Improves compatibility checking and simplifies the addition of new tests as the platform evolves:

Updated Tools: Evolution from Apache ANT and Java Test Harness to JUnit 5 and Apache Maven for improved efficiency and relevance.
Streamlined TCK Structure: Reduced complexity for easier learning and use of TCK.
Improved Accessibility: By upgrading TCK to a multi-dependency Maven project, Jakarta EE 11 improves compatibility checking and simplifies the addition of new tests as the platform evolves, thus promoting future innovation.

Jakarta EE 11 supports Java 17 and later and introduces concurrency enhancements for Java 21, including support for Virtual Threads to significantly increase scalability, reduce costs, and improve performance.

Early Adoption and Certified Implementations:
Several members of the Jakarta EE Working Group already have products certified as compatible with Jakarta EE 11, including:
Web Profile: Eclipse GlassFish;
Core Profile: Open Liberty (IBM), WildFly, Fujitsu Software Enterprise Application Platform, and Payara Server Community.

Learn more. 

Organizations with a strategic interest in Java for Enterprise are invited to join the Jakarta EE Working Group to participate in the development of the future platform, marketing programs, and community engagement.