Helidon 27 Released with Restructured Programming Models and New Modules

Helidon 27 Adopts Oracle Tip & Tail Model

Helidon 27 is the first release to follow Oracle's Tip & Tail Model of Library Development. The 'Tip' (Helidon 27) adopts the latest Java technology and aligns with JDK 27, receiving updates under the current OpenJDK release cadence. The 'Tail' (Helidon 4.5.5) maintains a stable baseline on JDK 21 with support for JDK 25, focusing on critical bug fixes and security updates for a longer-lived production environment.

Restructured Programming Models

The release restructures original programming models. Helidon Core replaces Helidon SE and introduces two new programming models: Imperative and Declarative. The Imperative model allows developers to use plain Java without dependency injection or annotations, similar to the heritage Helidon SE. The Declarative model provides dependency injection and annotations that generate imperative code at build time.

New Messaging and Data Modules

Helidon 27 introduces two new modules: Helidon Messaging and Helidon Data JDBC. Helidon Messaging simplifies traditional messaging by allowing developers to use ordinary, blocking Java, avoiding reactive APIs. Helidon Data JDBC provides a new module for database interactions.

Project Reorganization

Helidon MicroProfile, which replaces the heritage Helidon MP, has been moved into its own project and will continue to support MicroProfile and Jakarta EE specifications. Helidon SE Integrations has also been moved to its own project, renamed Helidon Extensions, with each extension independently maintained under its own release lifecycle.

Java Verified Portfolio Inclusion

Helidon 27 is maintained under the Java Verified Portfolio (JVP), an ecosystem of Oracle-supported technologies introduced at JavaOne 2026. This portfolio also includes JavaFX 27, Jipher 20, and the Java Platform Extension Visual Studio Code.