java is finally dead

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses the ongoing debate about whether Java is 'dying.' Despite claims of Java's decline, the speaker argues that Java remains a critical language for many Fortune 500 companies and continues to be widely used in enterprise applications. The speaker highlights the importance of learning Java as a foundational language and emphasizes its solid presence in backend development and microservices. While newer languages like Python, Go, and Kotlin are growing, they are not replacing Java, which continues to be an essential tool for solving complex software problems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Java is frequently declared 'dead' but is still widely used by major companies like Google, Netflix, and AWS.
• 😀 The claim that Java is outdated, verbose, or difficult is often debated, but Java continues to be popular in the industry.
• 😀 Java remains highly ranked on programming community indices, ranking number 4 in 2024 and 2025.
• 😀 Despite a decline in usage over the years, Java still has surges in popularity, showing it is not 'dying'.
• 😀 Java is used by a wide range of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, which rely on it for their systems.
• 😀 Boot camps and some developers may criticize Java for being hard to learn, but it is still commonly taught in universities.
• 😀 Java is often recommended as a first programming language due to its clear structure and strong foundation in computer science.
• 😀 Learning Java provides a strong base for picking up other languages like Python, JavaScript, and Go more easily.
• 😀 Java is widely used in the enterprise world, with solid frameworks like Spring Boot for building APIs and microservices.
• 😀 While newer languages like Python, Golang, and Kotlin are gaining popularity, they are not replacing Java but are used for different purposes.
• 😀 Developers should be open-minded and choose the right language for the job, understanding that different languages serve different purposes in application development.

Q & A

Why do some people claim that Java is 'dead'?

People claim that Java is 'dead' because they believe it is outdated, verbose, and difficult to learn. However, this perspective is often based on personal opinions and may not reflect its continued use in large-scale enterprises.

What are some reasons why Java is still widely used by major companies?

Java remains popular because it is stable, reliable, and has a vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks. Companies like Google, Netflix, and AWS still use Java to power their large-scale systems, proving its ongoing relevance.

How does Java compare in popularity according to the community index?

According to the community index, Java has experienced a decline in popularity over the years, but it still remains a top language. As of 2025, Java is ranked 4th, indicating that it still holds significant value in the tech world.

What does the survey from Stack Overflow reveal about Java's usage?

The Stack Overflow survey shows that Java is still widely used, with a strong presence among developers worldwide. Despite its decline, it is far from being 'dead' and remains a key language in the industry.

Why might Java be considered difficult to learn for some developers?

Java can be perceived as difficult due to its verbose syntax and the requirement for managing object-oriented principles. For people coming from languages like Python or JavaScript, Java's structure can be challenging.

What makes Java a good choice as a first programming language?

Java is often recommended as a first programming language because it helps learners understand core programming concepts without the added complexity of memory management. Its strict syntax also helps establish a strong foundation for learning other languages.

How does Java handle memory management compared to languages like C or C++?

Java simplifies memory management by automatically handling allocation and deallocation through garbage collection, unlike C or C++, where developers must manage memory manually, making Java easier for beginners.

What role do Java frameworks like Spring Boot play in modern development?

Spring Boot is a powerful Java framework used for building APIs and microservices. It streamlines the development process, enabling developers to build scalable and robust applications without reinventing the wheel.

Is Java being replaced by newer programming languages like Kotlin or Go?

While languages like Kotlin and Go are gaining popularity, they are not replacing Java. Instead, they often complement Java in specific domains. For example, Kotlin is commonly used in Android development, while Go is preferred for certain microservices.

What is the importance of choosing the right programming language for a project?

Choosing the right programming language ensures that the project is efficient, scalable, and maintainable. Companies often use multiple languages within the same system, selecting the best tool for each task, such as using Java for core systems and Go or Python for microservices.