Servlet 4 has just posted a public review (this is the last step before the proposed final specification). Servlet 4 is easily one of the most critical components of Java EE 8. The primary aim of Servlet 4 is to bring first-class, core standards based HTTP/2 support to the server-side Java ecosystem. Most of the changes in Servlet 4 (with the exception of things like the server push API) should be transparent to developers and are enforced in terms of requirements for Servlet 4 implementations to fully support HTTP/2. A decent resource to learn more about Servlet 4 and HTTP/2 should be my slide deck (please click here if you can’t see the embedded slide deck). You are also welcome to check out the corresponding screen-cast here.
You can download and take a look at the draft specification itself from the JCP site. While this is essentially the final stretch for Servlet 4, below are some ways you can still engage (most of it comes directly from the Adopt-a-JSR page I drafted while still at Oracle). The Servlet 4 specification lead Ed Burns has also asked for specific help in testing out the server-push feature. His write-up is actually also a great introduction to the feature.
- 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 Servlet 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 Servlet 4 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. If you have any questions I am happy to try to help – just drop me a note any time.