The JSON-P 1.1 (Java API for JSON Processing) specification has just posted a public review (this is the last step before the proposed final specification). For those unaware, JSON-P is a lower level JSON processing API introduced as part of Java EE 7. JSON-P 1.1 is a relatively more minor but important update that will be included in Java EE 8. Java EE 8 will also include a higher level declarative JSON binding API named JSON-B. While JSON binding is clearly important, there are many cases where a simple processing API is more appropriate. JSON-B also depends on JSON-P under the hood.
These two APIs together are extremely important in making JSON a first class citizen of the standard Java platform, just like JAXP (Java API for XML Processing) and JAXB (Java API for XML Binding) did many years ago for XML. With these two APIs in place Java developers can simply think of JSON as yet another Java serialization format. No more third party libraries and no more configuration – things will simply work out of the box when it comes to processing JSON. In my view these APIs are so critical they should indeed be moved to a modular Java SE release, much like JAXB and JAXP are already a part of Java SE.
The changes introduced in JSON-P 1.1 mostly includes staying up-to-date with JSON open standards like JSON Pointer and JSON Patch. There is also some Java SE 8 alignment work included in JSON-P 1.1. A very good resource for an introduction is a slide deck from specification lead Dmitry Kornilov as well as Werner Keil from the community presented at Java2Days 2016 (click here if you can’t see the embedded slide deck).
You can download and take a look at the draft specification from the JCP site. You should do your part demonstrating first hand that JSON-P 1.1 is a critical standard for Java – by engaging actively. Here are the many ways you can engage (most of this comes directly from the Adopt-a-JSR page I drafted while still at Oracle):
- You can still join the specification itself as an expert or a contributor. You can do that via the JCP page for the specification.
- You can have your JUG officially support the standard through Adopt-a-JSR.
- You can simply join the discussion without any ceremony by subscribing to the JSON-P 1.1 specification user alias.
- You can share ideas and feedback, possibly by entering issues in the public issue tracker.
- You can read the public review specification now.
- You can try out the reference implementation now.
- You can write or speak about JSON-P 1.1 now.
- You can encourage others to participate.
The next step is up to you. You can be a real part of Java’s ongoing success yourself instead of simply being a passive consumer. If you have any questions I am happy to try to help – just drop me a note any time.