A long-awaited change is coming to the Java ecosystem, as an OpenJDK proposal seeks to finally remove the Java Applet API from the Standard Edition of Java. The proposal, created on December 4, argues that the API has been "terminally deprecated" and is no longer supported by either the Java Development Kit (JDK) or modern web browsers.

The Java Applet API has been deprecated for removal since JDK 9, released in September 2017. However, it has remained in the JDK, albeit without any implementation or support. The proposal cites several reasons for its removal, including the lack of a way to run applets using the JDK, the absence of browser support, and the removal of the appletviewer tool in JDK 11.

The appletviewer tool, which allowed developers to test applets without a browser plugin, was removed in JDK 11, released in September 2018. Furthermore, the Java Security Manager, which provided support for running applets by sandboxing untrusted downloaded code, is slated for removal in JDK 24, scheduled for release in March. With no implementation, browser support, or security features, the Applet API has become obsolete and unnecessary.

The rise of JavaScript and the web browser in web development has led to the decline of Java applets. Additionally, security concerns surrounding applets have been a major factor in their deprecation. The proposal's authors argue that there is no reason to keep the unusable and unused Applet API, and its removal will have no impact on the Java ecosystem.

The specific JDK release in which the Applet API will be removed has not been designated yet. However, with the proposal's creation, it is likely that the change will be implemented in an upcoming release. The removal of the Applet API marks a significant shift in the Java ecosystem, as the platform continues to evolve and adapt to changing technology trends.

The implications of this change are far-reaching, as it signals a definitive end to the era of Java applets. While the removal of the Applet API may not have a significant impact on the Java ecosystem, it represents a significant step towards modernizing the platform and focusing on more contemporary technologies. As the Java ecosystem continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this change affects the broader technology landscape.

In conclusion, the proposed removal of the Java Applet API is a long-overdue change that will have a positive impact on the Java ecosystem. By shedding legacy technology, the platform can focus on more modern and innovative features, ultimately benefiting developers and users alike.