Java is increasingly being used to build artificial intelligence applications. A recent survey shows that 62% of Java users now rely on Java for AI work, up from 50% last year. This trend highlights Java’s expanding role in the AI space, especially in enterprise settings. The report was released on February 10, based on responses from over 2,000 Java developers collected between September and November 2025.

Shifts in Java Usage and Migration Trends

The survey found that a large majority of Java users are moving away from Oracle’s Java. Specifically, 81% have already switched or plan to switch to open-source versions like OpenJDK. Concerns about Oracle’s Java licensing costs seem to drive this migration. Many developers want more flexibility and lower costs, which open-source Java distributions can provide.

Despite these shifts, Java remains a core part of many enterprise systems. About 64% of respondents said that most of their workloads or applications either run on Java or on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This indicates Java’s strong presence in large-scale, production environments even as some move to alternative Java distributions.

Java’s AI Libraries and Tools

Developers have a variety of AI libraries to choose from in Java. The most popular among respondents is JavaML, followed by the Deep Java Library (DJL) and OpenCL. Around 31% of developers said more than half of their code now includes AI features, showing how integral AI has become in Java projects.

When it comes to creating AI-powered code, many developers use advanced tools. OpenAI’s ChatGPT leads the pack, with other tools like Google Gemini Code Assist, Microsoft Visual Studio IntelliCode, and GitHub Copilot also popular. These tools help automate code generation and make AI development faster and easier in Java.

Another notable finding is that 18% of respondents have already adopted Java Development Kit (JDK) 25, the latest Long Term Support (LTS) release that came out in September 2025. This shows a move toward newer, more capable Java versions to support AI and other demanding applications.

Impact on Development and Cloud Usage

The survey also revealed that Java’s role in cloud computing remains significant. About 43% of respondents said their Java workloads account for more than half of their cloud compute bills. This underscores Java’s importance in cloud-based enterprise applications.

However, some challenges persist. The report noted that 63% of developers said that dead or unused code impacts their productivity either somewhat or greatly. Managing code quality and maintaining efficient codebases remain important issues as Java applications grow more complex with AI features.

Overall, the report paints a picture of Java as a vital tool in AI development, with increasing adoption, shifting migration patterns, and a rich ecosystem of libraries and tools. As AI continues to evolve, Java’s role in enterprise AI solutions is poised to grow even further.

Inspired by

• https://www.infoworld.com/article/4130436/java-use-in-ai-development-continues-to-grow-azul-report.html

Sources

• azul.com