The Eclipse Foundation has announced the release of GlassFish 8, the latest version of its enterprise Java application server. This update brings important improvements aimed at making Java applications more efficient and easier to develop. The new version supports Jakarta EE 11 and introduces features like Jakarta Data repositories and virtual threads to boost performance and developer productivity.

Streamlined Data Access with Jakarta Data Repositories

One of the key features in GlassFish 8 is support for Jakarta Data repositories. This allows developers to work seamlessly with both JPA entities and NoSQL databases using a consistent pattern. It simplifies data handling, reducing boilerplate code and making it easier to organize repositories. Developers can now implement flexible pagination and better manage data access layers in their applications.

According to OmniFish, a participant in the development community, this feature means developers can focus more on building their applications rather than writing repetitive database code. Ondre Mihalyi, co-founder of OmniFish, highlighted that support for Jakarta Persistence and Jakarta NoSQL entities in repositories helps unify data access strategies, making applications more maintainable and adaptable to different data sources.

Improved Concurrency with Virtual Threads

Another major upgrade in GlassFish 8 is support for virtual threads. Virtual threads are a new way to handle many simultaneous tasks with minimal overhead. They are integrated into the server’s HTTP thread pools and managed executors, allowing the server to process a large number of requests more efficiently.

Virtual threads mark a big shift in Java programming. They let developers write simpler code that can handle lots of concurrent operations without sacrificing performance. Mihalyi explained that this feature makes the server more scalable, especially for I/O-bound applications that need to handle many users at once. The result is faster response times and better resource usage across the board.

Enhanced Security and Monitoring Features

GlassFish 8 also introduces a new version of Jakarta Security. This update offers more flexible options for authentication and security integration. Developers can now combine MicroProfile JWT with Jakarta Security to secure REST endpoints using JSON Web Tokens, while still protecting UI pages with other Jakarta Security mechanisms. This creates a comprehensive security setup suited for various application types.

Additionally, the server supports monitoring through Java Management Extensions (JMX). This allows administrators to keep track of server health and performance easily, helping ensure that applications run smoothly and securely.

Overall, GlassFish 8 aims to provide a more powerful, scalable, and developer-friendly Java server environment. Its new features help simplify data management, improve concurrency support, and strengthen security, making it a strong choice for modern Java applications.

Inspired by

• https://www.infoworld.com/article/4134179/glassfish-8-java-server-boosts-data-access-concurrency.html

Sources

• omnifish.ee
• glassfish.org
• jakarta.ee
• jakarta.ee
• glassfish.org