JDK Version Poll Results

Recently, I created a poll asking what versions of the JDK people were using in production. I think at this point I have a representative sample (over 300 responses) and can report the results.

Which JDK are you using?

The first question asked which JDK version was being used in production and multiple answers were allowed. Interestingly the distribution showed:

• J2SE 1.4: 37%
• J2SE 5.0: 44%
• Java SE 6: 38%

Both Java 1.4 and 6 were a lot higher than I expected. Based on informal polls I’ve done at talks, I expected to see some 1.4, probably to the tune of 20% or so, but I find it pretty amazing that 40% (including those running even older) still had not moved to Java 5 yet.

So, if you’re wondering about dropping support for 1.4, you might want to think twice. Of course, given Sun’s end of life policy, 1.4 will be out of general support in October 2008. I’m assuming that means that things like security updates and patches will no longer be available for the 1.4 line. You’ll also note that Java 5’s EOSL date is October 2009, so that’s not far off either.

On the other hand, I was surprised to see how many people were running Java 6 in production. That was also more than I expected.

Why haven’t you upgraded?

The second question looked at why people haven’t yet upgraded. The strongest response (45%) was that they can’t upgrade due to being stuck with an application server or other software that won’t support an upgrade. Of those that responded to a follow-up on which software was holding them back, 57% were on WebSphere and 19% were using an older version of Weblogic.

With WebSphere 7 now in beta and supporting Java 6, that largest roadblock should start to ease a bit.

The next biggest reason given (35%) was that the newer JDK was not yet certified by their IT or Operations group. Of those who planned to upgrade but just hadn’t had time yet (12%), most planned to do so in the next 6 months.