Azul Survey Reveals Growing Adoption of Java for AI Development

Essential brief

Key facts

62% of organizations globally now use Java for AI development, up from 50% last year.

In the Australia and New Zealand region, Java adoption for AI rose from 40% to 54%.

Java's platform independence and extensive libraries contribute to its growing AI use.

Java's integration with enterprise systems makes it a practical choice for AI workloads.

The trend indicates Java's sustained relevance and adaptability in AI programming.

Highlights

62% of organizations globally now use Java for AI development, up from 50% last year.

In the Australia and New Zealand region, Java adoption for AI rose from 40% to 54%.

Java's platform independence and extensive libraries contribute to its growing AI use.

Java's integration with enterprise systems makes it a practical choice for AI workloads.

Java, traditionally known for its versatility and robustness in enterprise applications, is increasingly becoming a preferred language for artificial intelligence (AI) development. According to Azul's 2026 State of Java Survey, there has been a significant rise in the number of organizations using Java to code AI functionality. The latest survey indicates that 62% of organizations now employ Java for AI projects, up from 50% reported in the previous year. This upward trend highlights Java's expanding role in the AI landscape.

The survey, which gathers insights from thousands of developers and IT professionals worldwide, also reveals regional variations in Java's adoption for AI. In the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region, 54% of organizations use Java for AI development, a notable increase from 40% last year. This growth suggests a strong regional momentum toward leveraging Java's capabilities in AI applications, despite being slightly lower than the global average.

Several factors contribute to Java's rising popularity in AI development. Java's platform independence, extensive libraries, and strong community support make it a reliable choice for building scalable AI systems. Additionally, improvements in Java's performance and the integration of AI-specific frameworks have made it more attractive for developers aiming to implement machine learning, natural language processing, and other AI functionalities.

The increasing use of Java in AI also reflects broader industry trends where organizations seek stable and mature programming environments to support complex AI workloads. Java's established ecosystem allows for easier integration with existing enterprise systems, facilitating smoother AI adoption. Moreover, the language's security features and performance optimizations align well with the demands of AI applications that require both speed and reliability.

Azul's survey underscores the evolving role of Java beyond traditional software development into cutting-edge AI technologies. As AI continues to permeate various sectors, the choice of programming language becomes crucial for innovation and efficiency. Java's growing foothold in AI development signals its adaptability and enduring relevance in the fast-changing tech landscape.

Looking ahead, the trend suggests that Java will maintain a significant presence in AI programming, supported by ongoing enhancements and community engagement. Organizations aiming to harness AI's potential may find Java a compelling option due to its proven track record and expanding AI capabilities. The survey's findings provide valuable insights for developers, IT leaders, and businesses planning their AI strategies in the coming years.