World Congress 2026 Europe - Virtual Stage • Jul 2, 2026 • Session details

JavaScript? No. Java Scripts! - Scripting with Java

Jens Knipper

Tired of arcane Bash syntax and Python dependency hell? Discover how modern Java, JBang, and GraalVM combine to build fast, self-contained CLI tools without the boilerplate.

Pause
Mute Enter Fullscreen
#1 about 2 min

Evaluating traditional scripting languages for modern development tasks

Traditional scripting languages like Bash and Python can introduce hidden complexity for developers executing only occasional tasks.

#2 about 2 min

Evaluating static typing and performance benefits of Java scripts

Java offers significant benefits for scripting by providing static typing and a familiar development ecosystem.

#3 about 4 min

Executing single-file Java source code without explicit compilation

Running Java source files directly through memory compilation eliminates the need for any separate compilation steps.

#4 about 3 min

Leveraging shebang support to run Java files directly

Adding a shebang directive allows seamless execution of single Java source files like native shell scripts.

#5 about 4 min

Reducing boilerplate with implicit classes and streamlined I/O

Modern JDK updates streamline scripting syntax by removing explicit class wrappers and shortening common input methods.

#6 about 5 min

Organizing scripts with multi-file execution and core HTTP libraries

Executing multi-file programs alongside core HTTP utilities helps in structuring more extensive external scripting logic natively.

#7 about 6 min

Integrating flat external dependencies without build management tools

Injecting flat dependencies directly into the classpath provides external resources while avoiding massive transitive complexity trees.

#8 about 6 min

Introducing JBang for seamless execution of transitively dependent scripts

The JBang tool entirely automates dependency resolution allowing robust script execution without standard maven configuration rituals.

#9 about 8 min

Building sophisticated command-line applications leveraging the PicoCLI framework

Installing specialized templates alongside PicoCLI helps developers generate clean command-line tools complete with automated help pages.

#10 about 6 min

Developing terminal user interfaces natively within Java scripts

Leveraging the Tambui framework enables rich graphical terminal interfaces directly programmed through declarative Java language constructs.

#11 about 3 min

Compiling Java scripts into lightweight native standalone executables

Generating platform-specific binaries using native image compilation completely removes runtime dependency on installed JDK environments locally.

#12 about 3 min

Summarizing the capabilities of the modern Java scripting ecosystem

Recent ecosystem updates successfully remove traditional verbose limitations to make Java highly capable for fast automations.

Matching moments

2:09 min

Overview of the Java features presentation

Michael Inden · LIVE

5:51 min

Interactive coding and evaluation using improved JShell

Michael Inden · LIVE

1:16 min

Running multi-file source code programs without compilation

Ron Veen Ron Veen · World Congress 2024

3:10 min

The future of Java in modern web development

Jonathan Vila · LIVE

4:30 min

Evaluating developer experience constraints in native scripts

Steve Shadders · LIVE

4:54 min

Learning Java features and design patterns interactively

Jakov Semenski · LIVE