This update integrates the Jakarta EE 11 platform and introduces capabilities for Jakarta Data repositories and virtual threads.
The Eclipse Foundation has unveiled GlassFish 8’s definitive release, an enhanced iteration of its enterprise Java application server. This latest version acts as a compliant implementation of the Jakarta EE 11 Java platform and integrates Jakarta Data repositories to streamline data access, as noted by GlassFish contributor OmniFish. It also highlights support for virtual threads, boosting concurrency for improved scalability.
Launched on February 5, GlassFish 8’s complete version is available for download at glassfish.org. OmniFish mentioned that an earlier development version of GlassFish 8 was made public in December 2025.
Thanks to its Jakarta Data repositories integration, developers can now manage both JPA (Java Persistence API) entities and JNoSQL databases through a standardized, repository-pattern methodology, explained Ondre Mihalyi, co-founder and engineer at OmniFish. The primary advantages of this capability are less repetitive code, adaptable repository structuring, and versatile pagination. As detailed in the release notes, GlassFish 8 provides full compatibility for both Jakarta Persistence and Jakarta NoSQL entities within Jakarta Data repositories.
Furthermore, GlassFish 8 steps into the next generation of Java concurrency by supporting virtual threads within its HTTP thread pools and managed executors, Mihalyi noted. This virtual threads capability allows the server to process a vast volume of simultaneous requests with very little overhead, substantially boosting scalability and performance for applications reliant on I/O. Virtual threads signal a transformative approach to concurrent programming, empowering developers to craft code that is both simpler to maintain and effortlessly scalable, Mihalyi elaborated.
Further key features of GlassFish 8 include:
- An updated Jakarta Security version now offers enhanced authentication choices. The synergy between MicroProfile JWT and Jakarta Security significantly boosts flexibility.
- Developers gain the ability to safeguard REST endpoints using JWT (JSON Web Token), concurrently employing other Jakarta Security protocols to secure user interface pages, thereby delivering an extensive security framework adaptable to varied application designs.
- Embedded Eclipse GlassFish now supports monitoring through JMX (Java Management Extensions).
