TL;DR
A developer argues that modern Java is ready for serious terminal tooling, from single-file scripts to full terminal UIs (TUIs). Tools like JBang, JReleaser, GraalVM native image, PicoCLI and newer TUI libraries remove many historical barriers.
What happened
A recent opinion piece makes the case that Java should become a first-class choice for terminal tooling in 2026. The author notes that many of the technical building blocks are already available: argument parsers such as PicoCLI, Project Loom for lightweight concurrency, GraalVM native image for fast startup, and JBang for running single-file programs or artifacts from Maven Central. Distribution headaches can be addressed with JReleaser, which automates creating releases and packaging for sources like Homebrew, SDKMAN and Docker. The piece also highlights existing Java TUI libraries (Lanterna, Jexer) and newer efforts—a Casciian fork and an early Bubble Tea port called Latte—as evidence the ecosystem can support richer terminal user interfaces. The author urges the community to contribute to TUI libraries, publish examples, and use existing tooling to lower the bar for Java terminal apps.
Why it matters
- Java developers can build CLI tools without switching languages, leveraging an extensive existing ecosystem.
- Modern runtimes and native-image tech address previous startup and performance objections for small tools.
- Simplified distribution with JBang and JReleaser makes installation and cross-platform releases more practical.
- A stronger Java TUI ecosystem could increase diversity of terminal tools and bring enterprise-grade libraries to CLI use cases.
Key facts
- PicoCLI is available for handling command-line argument parsing in Java.
- Project Loom provides virtual threads aimed at simplifying concurrency patterns.
- GraalVM native image is cited as a way to achieve much faster startup times for Java programs.
- JBang enables running single-file Java scripts, fat JARs, or Maven artifacts directly with commands like 'jbang group:artifact:version'.
- JReleaser automates release workflows and distribution to channels such as GitHub releases, Homebrew, SDKMAN and Docker.
- Java has long-standing TUI libraries such as Lanterna and Jexer; Jexer has a recent fork called Casciian.
- There is an early Java port effort inspired by Bubble Tea named Latte.
- Frameworks like Quarkus, Micronaut and Spring Boot are mentioned as having CLI support and integration with native-image tooling.
What to watch next
- Adoption and development activity around Java TUI libraries (Lanterna, Jexer/Casciian, Latte).
- Community examples and demos that show polished Java TUIs and CLI tools.
- Uptake of JBang and JReleaser for distributing Java command-line applications and native images.
Quick glossary
- JBang: A tool for running single-file Java programs, fat JARs, or artifacts from Maven Central with minimal setup.
- JReleaser: A release automation tool that helps package and distribute applications to multiple channels and package managers.
- GraalVM native image: A compilation technique that produces a native executable from Java code to reduce startup time and memory overhead.
- TUI (Terminal User Interface): A text-based user interface that runs inside a terminal, offering interactive layouts, widgets and keyboard-driven navigation.
- PicoCLI: A Java library designed to simplify parsing command-line arguments and building CLI applications.
Reader FAQ
Is Java too slow to be useful for small terminal tools?
The source argues that modern Java runtimes and GraalVM native images have largely addressed startup and performance concerns.
Can I write single-file scripts in Java?
Yes. The source highlights JBang as a way to run single-file Java scripts and to execute jars or Maven artifacts directly.
How can I distribute a Java CLI application?
According to the source, JReleaser automates creating releases and packaging for channels like Homebrew, SDKMAN and Docker.
Are there Java libraries for building TUIs?
Yes. The article mentions Lanterna and Jexer, a Casciian fork of Jexer, and an early Bubble Tea–inspired port called Latte.
2026: The Year of Java in the Terminal Tuesday December 30, 2025 (2 days ago) Max Rydahl Andersen Look, I’m going to say something that might sound crazy to some…
Sources
- 2026: The Year of Java in the Terminal?
- Java Licensing & Compliance: What Will Change by 2026?
- Java 8 is still supported until at least 2026, so why not …
- Java SE Support Roadmap
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