Oracle’s Java Platform extension for Visual Studio Code(JPEVSC), brings comprehensive development capabilities for Java to Visual Studio Code, streamlining the edit-compile-debug-test development cycle. Additionally, JPEVSC supports popular build tools like Maven and Gradle, making it easy to work with a wide range of projects. By supporting the latest versions of the Java language, it reduces the learning curve for new developers and makes it an ideal environment for development in Java. We believe it is the perfect IDE to learn Java.

What makes JPEVSC unique when compared to other extensions?

JPEVSC is a self-contained plugin, packed with all the essential features for programming in Java that doesn’t require any additional extension. It supports build tools like Maven and Gradle, as well as projects without dependency management tools. Furthermore, it provides a range of development features, including code refactoring, application debugging, and running unit tests.

With JPEVSC, developers can use early-access binaries of upcoming JDK releases, such as the current OpenJDK 24 builds. This allows them to experiment with the latest features and innovations being developed by the Java Platform Group (JPG). JPEVSC enables this by leveraging the unmodified OpenJDK javac compiler for code editing.

What are some of the key features of this extension ?

Features such as Auto-Complete and hints for specific APIs enhance the Java programming experience. These suggestions are based on the current code context. Notably, JPEVSC offers a convenient “Quick Fix” feature, which allows developers to address warnings and errors directly within the editor, eliminating the need to display all issues for a given Java file.

JPEVSC simplifies Java development with a JDK downloader capability, allowing users to easily download and install different JDK versions, as well as switch between them as required. For developers that don’t already have an existing Java installation, the JPEVSC extension simplifies the process by helping them install an Oracle JDK or an Oracle OpenJDK build, removing the hassle of searching for, downloading, and configuring a Java Runtime.

JPEVSC enables developers to configure projects with a JDK version that is different from the one used by the extension, allowing them to work on multiple applications simultaneously, each utilizing a distinct Java version.

Finally, the JPEVSC extension has localization for Japanese and Simplified Chinese too, making it more accessible to developers that use those languages.

How do we engage with Open Source community?

We are committed to continuously improving the extension through regular bug fixes and feature enhancements, providing an exceptional user experience. Our goal is to elevate the Java development experience across the ecosystem by delivering innovative features and robust support that meets the evolving needs of developers.

The extension empowers developers to explore the latest language features and JDK updates, facilitating timely and valuable feedback to the Java development team.

As an open-source project, JPEVSC thrives on active collaboration with the community, fostering open engagement and ensuring prompt responses to feedback and concerns.

We believe that the diverse user base of the JPEVSC extension, which spans multilingual and full-stack developers, learners, and experienced Java programmers, will offer rich and valuable feedback for both the JPEVSC extension and the broader Java ecosystem.

How often do you release the extension ?

We plan to release JPEVSC updates monthly.

How can one contribute towards the development of this extension ?

We invite everyone to contribute to the open-source JPEVSC project. Regardless of your level of experience, you can contribute in many ways, including: sharing feedback, automating tests, identifying bugs, fixing issues, and adding enhancements. For submitting code contributions, please note that you will need to sign the Oracle Contributor Agreement (OCA). You can find more details here.