Scalable Human Blog

⚡️ TL;DR: Java 25 introduces simplified module import declarations, making modular development more intuitive and maintainable. This update enhances code clarity and dependency management, while Java continues evolving by deprecating legacy features like RMI.

🎯 Why Java 25’s Module Import Declarations Matter

Java’s module system, introduced in Java 9, was a big leap forward—but not always the most approachable. With Java 25, module import declarations are getting a usability upgrade, helping developers write cleaner, more modular code. If you’ve ever wrestled with module-info.java or struggled to manage dependencies in large applications, this update is for you.

In this post, we’ll explore how module import declarations work in Java 25, what makes them better, and how this fits into Java’s broader modernization efforts—including the deprecation of outdated technologies like RMI.

🤔 What’s New in Java 25 Module Import Declarations?

A Quick Refresher: What Is a Module?

In Java, a module is a self-contained unit of code with a clear boundary. It declares what it exports and what it requires. This is defined in a module-info.java file. Modularization helps build scalable, maintainable applications by enforcing strong encapsulation.

What Are Module Import Declarations?

With Java 25, module import declarations have been streamlined to make it easier to declare dependencies. Instead of verbose or confusing syntax, the updated approach is:

module my.module {
    requires com.example.utils;
    requires java.sql;
}

This tells the compiler and runtime exactly which modules your code depends on. It’s simple, explicit, and helps avoid the “classpath hell” that plagued earlier Java versions.

According to the Java 25 feature set, this improvement:

• Clarifies module dependencies
• Reduces configuration errors
• Supports better tooling and static analysis

Real-World Example: Cleaner Dependency Management

Imagine you’re building a microservice that uses a utility library and accesses a database. With module import declarations, you can isolate your dependencies precisely:

module orders.service {
    requires utils.logging;
    requires java.sql;
    exports com.myapp.orders;
}

Now your service only has access to what it needs—nothing more. This leads to better security, performance, and maintainability.

🚧 Java Moves Forward: RMI Deprecation

While Java 25 is refining modularity, it’s also trimming outdated features. One major change is the deprecation of Remote Method Invocation (RMI), as proposed in JEP 511.

RMI was once a core part of distributed Java applications. But times have changed. Modern alternatives like gRPC and REST APIs offer more flexibility, better performance, and broader ecosystem support.

JEP 511 outlines a phased approach:

• Deprecate RMI APIs in Java 25
• Update documentation with migration guidance
• Remove RMI in a future release

This is part of a broader effort to modernize Java by focusing on what developers actually use today.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Module import declarations in Java 25 simplify how dependencies are defined in module-info.java.
• This improvement enhances modularity, readability, and maintainability.
• Developers can now build cleaner, more scalable applications with less configuration overhead.
• Java is also deprecating RMI, acknowledging the shift toward modern communication methods like gRPC and REST.
• These changes reflect Java’s continued evolution toward a leaner, more modern platform.

🎉 Wrapping Up

Java 25 is a clear signal that the platform is maturing thoughtfully. By making modularity more accessible and saying goodbye to legacy features like RMI, Java is positioning itself for the next generation of application development.

If you’re working on modular Java applications or planning a migration, now’s a great time to explore these new features. Have thoughts or experiences with Java 25’s modular improvements? Let’s discuss—drop a comment or share your insights!

📚 Further Reading & Related Topics
If you’re exploring Java 25’s modularity improvements, these related articles will provide deeper insights:
• Project Jigsaw: Ushering in Modularity with the Java Platform Module System – This article explores the foundation of Java’s modular system introduced via Project Jigsaw, offering essential context for understanding how Java 25 builds upon it with streamlined module imports.
• Java 15 and the Advent of Sealed Classes: Enhancing Modularity – Learn how sealed classes introduced in Java 15 contribute to better encapsulation and modular design, aligning with the goals of Java 25’s modular import enhancements.
• Unleashing Project Modularity: Creating Maven Multi-Module Projects – This guide walks through setting up multi-module Maven projects, a practical complement to Java 25’s modular import improvements for managing large-scale Java applications.