The change is thanks to a runtime re-architecture and supports all major Azure function features. For the unfamiliar, Azure Functions is Microsoft’s answer to AWS’ Lambda. It removes the stress of maintaining servers with a scale-on-demand, reliable compute platform. The new addition will simply bring that to more people. “The new Java runtime will share all the differentiated features provided by Azure Functions, such as the wide range of triggering options and data bindings, serverless execution model with auto-scale, as well as pay-per-execution pricing,” said Nir Mashkowski, partner director of program management for Azure App Service. Java developers also won’t need any tools to begin. Microsoft’s new plugin for Maven even lets users deploy Azure Functions from their existing Maven-enabled projects. There’s also support for Eclipse, IntelliJ and VS code. If that’s not enough, Azure Functions Core Tools also lets you run and debug locally.
Competition from Oracle
However, Sanfransico’s JavaOne event also came with another announcement, one from Oracle themselves. The Fn project is its open source serverless platform that’s easy to setup and can be run anywhere. Naturally, it also has support for Java and is being developed by IronFunctions, a known innovator in the area. Microsoft’s offering is still an important step, however. Azure Functions currently supports JavaScript, C#, F#, Python, PHP, Bash, Batch and PowerShell. With support for Java, it should now be able to gain more popularity in enterprise, which has always been the company’s area of expertise. You can read more about the service on the Azure blog.
