Java Development: Bridging the Gap Between New and Legacy Technologies

Java remains a powerful tool in the developer’s arsenal for software development. Since its inception in the mid-1990s, Java has grown to become the language of choice for coding everything from sophisticated web apps to enterprise software, mobile applications, and desktop programs. However, with its long-standing history comes unique challenges: will it be a good decision to stick to Java when we have newer technologies now? What is the future of the project developed on an almost 20-year-old programming language? How does it fit into the picture when AI and ML are storming the tech scene?

The paradox of new versus old technologies is not just a technical challenge but a strategic one requiring businesses to weigh the pros of embracing new technologies against the risks and costs associated with legacy systems.

As a long-standing Java development company, with significant investment in newer technologies, this new vs old paradox is something that we often deal with. In fact, it made us standardize an SOP for framework/language selection that assesses the following points:

Legacy Project vs. New Tech

Java has been around for two decades and almost every enterprise has Java applications. Digital transformation is a compelling motive for CTOs to think if a new framework/platform would enhance delivery speed or patch and fix issues faster. Well, legacy projects have deep roots, especially apps that have been around for decades. Introducing a new framework can surface a new set of issues.

We’ve analyzed over 100 legacy modernization projects that we either re-engineered or maintained over the last few years and here’s what we can confirm – you can’t make a cocktail from out-of-the-box new tech and legacy code. Refactoring of legacy code is required.

In such cases, finding a modernization partner that is itself a Java development company can be a unique advantage. Client organizations can quickly pass the onus of assessing the new tech and finding the best possible solution. Usually, a pilot run with multiple checkpoints with all stakeholders in the loop helps in these complex projects.

Existing Tech Framework

This is the primary reason when we recommend Java. Even if a tech-ecosystem has other legacy technologies than Java, a new Java-based product is likely to outperform them. It is because Java has been here for years and developers have optimized ways to integrate Java apps with several other old systems.

Client Workforce Skills

This is another reason why we recommend custom Java software development. If the end-users are using Java or have used it in the past, they mostly have figured out a way for most common app issues and know where to go if faced with a problem. This already-skilled Java workforce can take up the new Java app with fewer hiccups and yield higher ROI sooner.

Let’s consider the other scenario – the pilot run says that the new technology will bring higher efficiency, is not having integration issues with other systems, and is impressive with a new UI. But your workforce requires upskilling for the new app. It translates to higher incubation time for ROI, hiring an in-house developer for solving day-to-day issues, and frequent tickets for IT. Not deterring from new technology adoption, but these issues need to be addressed before users start missing their good ol’ apps.

Integration Requirements

We are in a world where every app or system needs to communicate with others. This can be realized when the total tech architecture is in unison. Our experience says that large-scale integration projects with blended tech-stack are more likely to succeed with the latest technologies in Java. This is because most of the top-tier integration or middleware software are Java based – BEA/Oracle Fusion Middleware, WebMethods, Tibco, SAP NetWeaver, or IBM WebSphere to name a few.

Also, we try to tell our clients that a one hundred percent compatibility in integration is a myth. No integration is pain-free, and all software needs updates/maintenance. Some are updated frequently but perform well for several years. This performance streak is something we root for and suggest all clients bet on a technology that has been long tested on industry standards.

Scalability Needs

Clients that have reaped rewards with Java apps need to discuss with their partner Java application development company if their previous system can be updated for new scalability requirements. In a few cases, where we were approached for new app development, we asked clients to stick with new technologies in Java as the desired results can be delivered with some updates instead of a full-blown new app.

The simple logic behind our decision to give Java a due shot is that if the app was designed correctly and is withstanding a significant load today, it can be re-engineered for new requirements. It does require some level of reverse engineering and assessing the pros and cons with other technologies under consideration, but in many cases, it turns out to be a more cost-effective and rapid option.

The Crux of the Matter

Java comes from the house of Oracle Corporation, the leading provider of software and application for enterprise environments. They have been frequently releasing new versions with updates/patches and project Java as their flagship programming language. Java is old, yes, but more flexible and reliable. Unless there is a convincing reason to think beyond Java, due to capability, scalability, or cost issues – businesses should freely opt for it.