Java Modernization: Breathe New Life into Your Codebase Without Breaking the Bank

Java has been around for decades, and so has your codebase. Keeping up with the latest Java versions, frameworks, and best practices isn't just about staying current—it’s about making your applications easier to maintain, faster to develop, and more attractive to both developers and customers. But where do you start? In this session, we’ll take a pragmatic approach to modernizing Java applications with minimal disruption and maximum value. We’ll cover: Upgrading Java versions with OpenRewrite – Reduce technical debt, adopt the latest language features, and lower maintenance costs with automated refactoring. Moving from Swing to Vaadin – Preserve your business logic while transitioning from legacy desktop applications to modern web frontends. The human factor – Modernization isn’t just about code; it’s about people. Learn how to keep your current team engaged, avoid unnecessary retraining, and make your project more attractive to new talent. With over two decades of Java experience, I’ll share hard-earned insights and real-world strategies that you can start applying today. If your Java applications feel stuck in the past, this talk will show you how to bring them into the future—without rewriting everything from scratch.