Sun Microsystems and James Gosling developed Java, and it is a set of computer software that was later acquired by Oracle. So basically, it is a software platform.
Of course, there is a Java programming language, and it is one of the most used languages in the world. This Java language had several changes since the Java Development Kit 1.0, or the term that is most often used JDK 1.0, and also numerous additions of packages and classes to the library.
Here we will see which Java version or JDK is most popular amongst the Java developers community.
Java 8
The most popular Java version 2021 is still Java 8, even though it was released back on March 18, 2014. Some of the reasons are that Java 8 has long-term support, and also many technical experts choose it still because it has public updates that are available for commercial and private use.
A survey made by JetBrains showed that Java 8 is the most used Java version 2021, where an impressive 75% of the respondents chose this version as their choice of use. Another reason that shows how popular Java 8 is is that it was announced that it would have extended support until December 2030.
Java 11
Java 11 is the second most used version, with 32% of the respondents choosing it as their development kit. It is relatively new since it was released in September 2018. This was the next major version of Java to provide LTS, meaning long-term support. This means that it remains in the industry at least for several years. This version, in particular, will probably be supported until September 2023, and it will also have extended support until September 2026.
Java 17
Maybe it is not most used, but it is definitely worth the mention since Java 17 is the latest development kit that is the next long-term support release. It is now in Rampdown Phase Two, and it is set to be available in September.
It is expected to be the second long-term support release since Java switched to the new six-month release cadence. The first one of this kind was Java 11. If everything goes as planned Java 17 will have extended support until September 2029 or even later.
Most Popular Java Trends
While we see which are the most used Java versions, it is also good to see which are the most popular Java technology trends today. There are several popular Java technologies that every developer needs to know. Some of the latest Java technologies in demand 2021 will allow you to be up to date as a developer. Let’s see some of the most valuable ones:
- Artificial Intelligence App Development – One of them is the Artificial Intelligence app development because of its transparency, low maintenance, and portability, and it is expected to grow more and more over the next few years. Java is suitable as a language for developing AI-driven apps.
- Big Data – As computer power and information grows, we generate enormous amounts of data every single day. So big data needs to store and process these massive data streams in order to get better insights. Java is preferred for big data projects because of its tools like Apache Mahout, Apache Hadoop, and others.
- Spring – Spring is a framework that can be used for building an organization’s apps in Java because it can include microservices, complex data processing systems, cloud apps, and fast, safe web apps. It also can be used for different things, from streaming platforms and online shopping to banking platforms.
- Remote Access – Remote was always an option, but remote working became even more popular since the pandemic hit. Java is also good for this solution since it allows faster development of the much-needed remote work apps, video calls, management solutions, among other requirements. It makes both the client and the server work perfectly.
Conclusion
Make sure to use the best and most popular Java development kit among the developer’s community, and if you like the latest versions, then the newest version is right around the corner. The biggest reason you shouldn’t think twice and choose Java right away is that Java stood the test of time. It was created 26 years ago in 1995, and since it hasn’t stopped making progress.

Writer Graham Grieve brings two decades of technical communications experience to The Holy Tech coverage. Isaac contributes articles on laptops, tablets and PCs, alongside various software and hardware guides. Isaac is a former newspaper journalist who also worked in tech communications for some of the country’s biggest corporations. He also counsels and creates material for other technology publications and hosts a podcast.
Isaac’s in-depth reporting and knowledge of hardware and software issues helps The Holy Tech’s readers learn how to choose the right products, or solve tricky problems.