Scalable Human Blog

⚡️ TL;DR:
Java 25 is taking a bold step toward simplicity and approachability by introducing features like multiple main methods and compact source files. These changes aim to make Java more beginner-friendly while still supporting complex, large-scale applications.

🎯 Java, But Friendlier
Java has long been praised for its robustness and versatility, but it’s also been criticized for being too verbose—especially for beginners. With Java 25, the language is evolving to lower the entry barrier for new developers without sacrificing its powerful features. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by boilerplate code in Java, the latest updates might just change your mind.

🤔 What’s New in Java 25?

Multiple Main Methods with @MainMethod

Traditionally, Java classes could only have one main method, acting as the single entry point for the application. But JDK 25 proposes a game-changing feature: support for multiple main methods in a single class, each marked with the new @MainMethod annotation.

This lets developers define and run different entry points within the same file, making it easier to test individual modules or run small utilities without spinning up a new project.

Why it matters:

• Great for learning and experimentation
• Useful for large teams managing multiple tools or microservices
• Reduces boilerplate and project clutter

Source: OpenJDK JEP draft for Java 25

Compact Source Files

Java 25 is also pushing forward the idea of compact source files, which allow developers to write simple programs without wrapping everything in a class. This is a huge win for beginners who just want to write a few lines of code and see results.

For example, instead of:

public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, world");
    }
}

You could soon write:

System.out.println("Hello, world");

And that’s it.

Why it matters:

• Removes unnecessary syntax for simple programs
• Makes Java feel more like Python or JavaScript for quick scripting
• Encourages experimentation and learning

Still Java, Just Friendlier

Despite these beginner-friendly changes, Java 25 doesn’t forget its roots. It still offers the full suite of features that make it a powerhouse in enterprise software:

• Platform independence
• Object-oriented design
• Automatic memory management
• Multithreading support
• Exception handling

And modern additions like lambda expressions, functional interfaces, and stream APIs continue to make Java flexible and expressive for more advanced use cases.

Source: GeeksforGeeks article on Java features

✅ Key Takeaways

• Java 25 introduces multiple main methods using the @MainMethod annotation, making multi-entry applications easier to manage.
• Compact source files allow you to write Java without wrapping everything in a class, perfect for beginners and quick scripts.
• These changes aim to reduce boilerplate and make Java more accessible while retaining its powerful core features.
• Java continues to evolve with features like lambda expressions and modular programming, balancing simplicity with scalability.
• The updates reflect a broader effort to make Java a more modern and beginner-friendly language.

🎉 Conclusion
Java 25 is a clear signal that the language is embracing change. By simplifying the learning curve and reducing boilerplate, Java is becoming more inviting to newcomers and more agile for seasoned developers. Whether you’re just starting out or building enterprise-scale software, these updates make Java a language that grows with you.

Curious to try it out? Dive into the early access builds of JDK 25 and see how Java’s new face fits your workflow. And if you’ve got thoughts on these changes, share them—we’re all learning together.

📚 Further Reading & Related Topics
If you’re exploring Java 25’s compact source files and instance main methods, these related articles will provide deeper insights:

• Java 11 Launch Single File Source Code Programs – A Simplified Approach – This article introduces Java 11’s support for launching single-file source-code programs, a foundational feature that has evolved into Java 25’s compact source files.

• Java 13 and the Introduction of Text Blocks – Simplifying Multiline Strings – As Java continues to streamline syntax, this post explores text blocks from Java 13, showcasing the language’s ongoing efforts to reduce boilerplate and improve code readability.

• Java 27 and the Evolution of Switch Expressions – A Deeper Dive – This deep dive into switch expressions illustrates Java’s modern language enhancements, complementing the streamlined coding experience introduced in Java 25.