JavaZone 2025: Conference Report

Author: Ixchel Ruiz

_posts/2025-09-25-java-zone.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: 'JavaZone: A Deep Dive into Community and Tech!'
+authors: [ 'ixchel' ]
+featuredImage: adopt-free
+excerpt: "Conferences are more than just a collection of talks; they’re vibrant hubs for networking, exploring the latest tech trends, and gaining fresh perspectives on the tools we use daily. My experiences, especially at JavaZone, have reinforced this belief."
+permalink: '/2025/09/25/java-zone.html'
+categories: [ Java, Community, Tech ]
+header:
+  text: 'JavaZone: A Deep Dive into Community and Tech!'
+  image: post
+---
+
+Conferences are more than just a _collection of talks_; they’re vibrant hubs for _networking, exploring the latest tech trends_, and gaining fresh perspectives on the tools we use daily. My experiences, especially at JavaZone, have reinforced this belief.
+
+A long-standing fixture in Norway’s tech scene, [JavaZone 2025](https://2025.javazone.no/en/program) is a key event for the Java community. Beyond the always top-notch technical sessions, it’s the community that truly shines. Attending JavaZone offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication of one of the world’s best-organised Java User Groups, **JavaBin**. The commitment, passion, and hard work of the javaBin organisers are evident, making it one of the most well-coordinated conferences I attend each year.
+
+The conference itself served as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing, discussing emerging trends, and fostering innovation within the Java ecosystem. Attendees often recall the inspiring technical sessions, the vibrant networking opportunities, and the strong sense of community that permeates the event. The commitment of the volunteer community is a testament to their passion and truly leaves a lasting impact on participants, making JavaZone a truly special event in the developer calendar.
+
+Having participated as both an instructor and an attendee, I’ve gained a unique perspective. Both experiences were incredibly rewarding. Connecting with fellow enthusiasts, especially those passionate about Maven, was a highlight. I was extremely happy to have the opportunity to share my experience about Maven with full room of attendees to the Workshop  [**_"Maven in Depth: Beyond the Basics"_**](https://2025.javazone.no/en/program/a775ae83-6fd9-482c-b99f-dfa0e8ec4c9c?__EXPO_ROUTER_key=undefined-4T_Gkf4hX5NMPo-KQ11kX)
+
+
+### "Maven in Depth: Beyond the Basics"
+
+Maven, the ubiquitous build tool in the Java world, is essential for streamlined development. Its widespread adoption is not just a matter of convenience; mastering Maven offers significant advantages. The ability to quickly diagnose and resolve build-related issues is invaluable, reducing downtime and smoothing workflows. These skills directly impact our daily tasks, minimising the impact of technical glitches.
+
+## Highlights from JavaZone 2025
+
+### “Lessons from the Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster.”
+
+One particularly impactful session was titled “Lessons from the Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster.” This talk explored the technical and human factors that led to one of NASA’s most tragic events.
+
+Key takeaways from the session included:
+
+- **Human Factors in Focus**: The speaker emphasised the critical role of human error and decision-making processes in the disaster. They highlighted the importance of effective communication and teamwork in high-stakes environments.
+
+- **Technical Failures Examined**: The session analysed specific technical failures that contributed to the shuttle’s demise. This underscored the need for rigorous testing and validation in software development, a topic that resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom work on complex systems.
+
+- **Bridging Aerospace and Software**: The session drew parallels between aerospace engineering and software development. It emphasised that our software projects, like space missions, demand meticulous attention to detail and a culture that encourages open communication and transparency.
+
+- **Actionable Insights for the Future**: The discussion concluded with practical strategies for applying these lessons to our own work. These strategies fostered a culture of safety and continuous improvement in our development practices.
+
+This session was more than just a history lesson; it was a call to action. It inspired a proactive approach to our craft, with the energy in the room being electric. Many attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions afterwards, eager to implement these lessons in their own projects.
+
+### “Dark Patterns to Rule Them All”
+Another highlight was the session “Dark Patterns to Rule Them All,” presented by Serge Goma. This talk delved into the controversial world of UX design, focusing on the ethics of using dark patterns in digital interfaces.
+
+Key takeaways from the session included:
+- **Defining Dark Patterns**: The session provided a clear definition of dark patterns, design strategies that manipulate users into making choices they might not otherwise make. Sergès presented numerous examples, illustrating how these tactics can lead to unintended consequences for users.
+- **Ethical Design Principles**: A significant portion of the discussion focused on the ethical implications of using dark patterns. The speaker emphasised designers’ responsibility to create transparent and user-friendly experiences, urging attendees to consider the long-term impact of their design choices.
+- **Real-World Examples of Manipulation**: Sergès showcased real-world examples of dark patterns in action, demonstrating how they are used in popular applications and websites. This practical approach helped attendees recognise these patterns in their own work and the broader digital landscape.
+- **Building Trust Through Transparency**: The session concluded with actionable insights on designing interfaces that prioritise user trust and transparency. Sergès encouraged participants to adopt best practices that foster positive user experiences and avoid manipulative tactics.
+
+### “Securing Java Applications Against Quantum Threats.”
+
+Finally, I attended _“Securing Java Applications Against Quantum Threats”_ The main motivation behind me attending this session is the ongoing legislative efforts in the United States to prepare for the post-quantum era. While there isn’t a single piece of legislation dictating specific quantum-resistant algorithm (QRA) mandates for all encryption, there’s a clear push towards adopting these new standards. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been instrumental in this process by standardising quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.
+
+The [Security and Freedom Through Encryption (SAFE) Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/106th-congress/house-bill/850)
+has been proposed to empower the President to mandate encryption products and services to ensure data confidentiality for computer systems. Concurrently, recent executive orders, notably those amended in June 2025, have prioritised strengthening U.S. cybersecurity by emphasising the readiness of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). This shift indicates a concerted effort to integrate quantum-resistant solutions across federal systems and critical infrastructure.
+
+In the European Union, a coordinated approach is also being adopted. The EU has published a [EU Recommendation on Post-Quantum Cryptography](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024H1101&qid=1758816500544)
+, urging member states to develop and implement a harmonised strategy. This initiative aims to prepare critical infrastructure for quantum-resistant encryption by a target date of 2030. EU regulations, such as [Regulation (EU) 2021/821](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R0821)
+concerning dual-use items, impose legal obligations on exporting encryption technologies, which will likely encompass quantum-related advancements. Furthermore, [Article 6 of the RTS on ICT Security Requirements](https://www.springlex.eu/packages/dora/rts-tisp-regulation/article-6)
+mandates that [ "cryptographic" ] technology remain resilient against [ "cyber" ] threats, suggesting a future necessity for quantum-resistant solutions. The EU’s strategy for quantum technologies explicitly focuses on regulation, cryptography, and data security, signalling a commitment to a quantum-resistant future.
+
+The particularly forward-thinking session presented by Ana-Maria Mihalceanu, was titled “Securing Java Applications Against Quantum Threats.” This talk addressed the emerging challenges posed by quantum computing and how developers can protect their applications against these threats.
+
+Key takeaways from the session include:
+
+- **Understanding the Quantum Threat Landscape**: The session began with an overview of quantum computing and its implications for current encryption methods. The speaker highlighted that traditional cryptographic techniques may become vulnerable as quantum technology advances.
+- **Leveraging JDK Security Features**: We explored various security features within the Java Development Kit (JDK) that can enhance application security. The discussion included essential tools such as keytool and Java Flight Recorder (JFR) for managing security certificates and monitoring application performance.
+- **Practical Security Strategies**: The speaker provided developers with actionable strategies to implement in their applications. These strategies included best practices for securing data and ensuring applications’ resilience against potential quantum attacks.
+- **Preparing for a Quantum-Resistant Future**: The session concluded with insights on how to future-proof Java applications. Attendees learned the importance of taking a proactive approach to security, integrating quantum-resistant algorithms, and staying informed about advancements in quantum computing and security technologies.
+
+## Sharing your thoughts!
+
+I’d love to discuss the importance of security in the quantum era, API design, or any other related topic with you. Feel free to reach out to me via social media at [Contact me](/people/ixchel).