If you're a Liferay customer, there's a major shift happening and it could impact your platform more than you think. The move from javax.* to jakarta.* in the Java ecosystem is more than a technical update. It’s a turning point that affects your custom modules, upgrade paths, and long-term platform stability.
In this blog, we’ll break down what’s changing, the risks of standing still, and how you can move forward with confidence.
What’s Changing: From javax.* to jakarta.*
The Java community has officially transitioned from Java EE Jakarta EE, and with it comes a major change: the namespace shift from javax.* to jakarta.*.
Why this matters for Liferay users:
- Custom modules built on javax.* will no longer work in newer Liferay versions.
- APIs and libraries must be updated to align with Jakarta EE standards.
- Liferay is adopting Jakarta EE in its latest releases, meaning future upgrades will require Jakarta-compliant code.
This isn’t just a backend change. It directly affects how your applications run, how your teams maintain code, and how future-ready your platform is.
Risks of Staying on javax.*
If your Liferay platform still relies on javax.*, you're not just using outdated code—you’re exposing your business to growing risks. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Custom features may break in future versions: As Liferay adopts Jakarta EE, older modules built on javax.* will become incompatible. What works today may fail tomorrow.
- Security vulnerabilities will accumulate: Older Liferay versions and javax.*-based libraries won’t receive critical security patches, leaving your platform exposed to threats and compliance risks.
- Blocked access to new tools and integrations: Modern APIs, cloud-native services, and third-party tools are being built for Jakarta EE. Sticking with javax.* limits your ability to innovate.
- Future upgrades will be more difficult: The longer you delay migration, the more technical debt you accumulate—making future upgrades more complex, costly, and risky.
- Loss of official support: Liferay will eventually phase out support for older, non-Jakarta-compliant versions. That means no help when issues arise.
- Increased operational overhead: Your IT team will spend more time maintaining legacy code and troubleshooting compatibility issues instead of focusing on strategic initiatives.
Why Migrate from javax.* to jakarta.*
While the risks of staying on javax.* are clear, the real motivation to migrate lies in the opportunities Jakarta EE unlocks. This isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about preparing your Liferay platform for the future.
- Stay compatible with Liferay’s future releases: Liferay is aligning with Jakarta EE in its latest versions. Migrating ensures your custom modules and integrations continue to work seamlessly.
- Access modern Java ecosystem: Jakarta EE is the foundation for modern enterprise Java. It’s where innovation is happening—whether it’s cloud-native development, microservices, or containerization.
- Improve platform performance and stability: Jakarta EE brings architectural improvements that enhance runtime performance, memory management, and scalability.
- Simplify future upgrades: Once your codebase is Jakarta-compliant, future Liferay upgrades become smoother and less risky—saving time and effort.
- Enable use of new tools and APIs: Many modern tools, libraries, and frameworks are being built for Jakarta EE. Migrating opens the door to these innovations.
- Strengthen security and compliance: Jakarta EE platforms receive regular security updates and patches—critical for maintaining compliance and protecting user data.
Challenges in Migrating to Jakarta EE
While the benefits of migrating are clear, the process itself comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s what Liferay customers typically face during the transition:
- Extensive code refactoring: Every instance of javax.* in your custom modules must be updated to jakarta.*. This can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large codebases.
- Third-party library compatibility: Some external libraries may not yet support Jakarta EE. You may need to find alternatives or wait for updates, which can delay your migration timeline.
- Build and deployment pipeline adjustments: Your CI/CD pipelines, build tools (like Maven or Gradle), and deployment configurations may need to be updated to support Jakarta EE dependencies.
- Comprehensive testing requirements: Even small changes in namespaces can cause unexpected behavior. Full regression, integration, and performance testing are essential to ensure stability.
- Limited in-house expertise: Many teams are unfamiliar with Jakarta EE or the nuances of namespace migration. This can lead to delays or missteps without expert guidance.
- Dependency conflicts: Mixing javax.* and jakarta.* dependencies can lead to classloader issues and runtime errors, especially in modular Liferay environments.
- Documentation and community gaps: Jakarta EE is still evolving, and documentation may be limited or inconsistent—making it harder to find clear migration paths or best practices.
- Risk of downtime: Without a well-planned migration strategy, there’s a risk of service disruption during or after the transition—impacting users and business operations.
Why Proventeq for Your javax to Jakarta EE Migration
Migrating from javax.* to jakarta.* is a critical step in modernizing your Liferay platform—but it’s not a simple one. It requires deep technical understanding, careful planning, and a partner who knows both the Java ecosystem and Liferay’s architecture inside out.
At Proventeq, we specialize in helping Liferay customers navigate this transition with minimal disruption and maximum confidence.
Here’s how we support you:
- Free Jakarta Migration Assessments
We evaluate your current Liferay environment, identify javax.* dependencies, and assess migration readiness.
- Code Audits and Compatibility Analysis
Our experts perform a deep dive into your custom modules and integrations to pinpoint what needs to change—and how to do it safely.
- Hands-On Migration Support
From refactoring code to updating build pipelines and resolving third-party library conflicts, we handle the heavy lifting so your team doesn’t have to.
- A Roadmap for Future Upgrades and Innovation
We don’t just migrate—we help you build a future-ready platform that’s aligned with Liferay’s evolution and Jakarta EE’s innovation.
We understand the technical complexity and the business impact of this migration. Whether you're running legacy systems or planning a major upgrade, Proventeq is here to guide you—every step of the way.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Legacy Code Hold You Back
The move to Jakarta EE is inevitable, and the sooner you act, the smoother your journey will be. Migrating now means fewer surprises, lower costs, and a platform that’s ready for what’s next.
Your digital experience deserves a strong, secure, and scalable foundation. Let’s build it together.Book a Free Jakarta Migration Assessment
