The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) has revolutionized the development and deployment of applications by enabling software written in various programming languages to run on a single platform. Initially designed to support Java, the JVM’s versatility was soon recognized, and language designers began developing additional JVM-compatible languages. Over time, these languages leveraged the robust class library and extensive features offered by the JVM. This article will provide an overview of some of the most popular JVM languages, their applications, and the history behind their development.
The Growth and Development of JVM-Compatible Programming Languages
To truly appreciate the breadth of JVM (Java Virtual Machine) languages, it’s essential to explore their origins and understand the motivations behind their creation. The JVM initially started as a platform for running Java, but as its potential became apparent, many other programming languages began to leverage this versatile platform. The JVM offered unique benefits, such as platform independence and a robust execution environment, which encouraged the development of various alternative languages. These languages aimed to combine the power of Java with additional features or paradigms that Java, at its inception, didn’t fully embrace.
The Genesis of JVM Languages
The journey of JVM languages began with Java itself, which was designed to be platform-independent and portable across different operating systems. This vision was realized through the JVM, which allows Java programs to run on any machine that has a JVM installed, regardless of the underlying hardware or operating system. This ability to write once and run anywhere became the cornerstone of Java’s success.
However, while Java became popular due to its stability, scalability, and rich ecosystem, developers soon began to seek out alternatives that could bring more flexibility and new paradigms to the JVM ecosystem. As a result, a wave of new languages emerged, each offering its own unique features and capabilities. The desire for languages that were more dynamic or better suited to specific use cases, such as scripting, functional programming, or modern web development, led to the introduction of languages that integrated well with the JVM.
The First Generation of JVM Languages
The early days of JVM language evolution saw the introduction of some key languages that brought new capabilities to the platform. These languages were designed to run on the JVM but often targeted niches that were either missing from or not fully addressed by Java itself.
One of the first prominent examples was Jython, an implementation of the Python programming language for the JVM. Released in 1997, Jython allowed Python developers to leverage the power of the JVM while continuing to work in the familiar syntax of Python. Similarly, Rhino, a JavaScript engine developed for the JVM, also emerged around the same time, enabling JavaScript developers to run their code within the JVM environment. These early languages showcased the ability to bring dynamic scripting languages to the JVM, offering developers more flexibility and tools to interact with Java applications.
Following closely behind were BeanShell in 2000 and JRuby in 2001, two other key players in the early evolution of JVM languages. BeanShell was designed as a lightweight scripting language that mimicked Java but with a more flexible, dynamic approach, making it easier for developers to write and execute small scripts within Java programs. JRuby, on the other hand, brought the Ruby programming language to the JVM, offering Ruby developers the ability to utilize the rich features of the JVM while maintaining the expressive power of Ruby.
The Push for New Features and Innovation
As Java continued to grow and dominate the enterprise software landscape, developers and researchers began to realize that there were certain programming paradigms that Java struggled to fully incorporate. These gaps prompted the creation of alternative JVM languages that would better support functional programming, concurrency, and more concise, expressive syntax. The JVM platform, with its robust infrastructure and widespread use, was seen as the perfect foundation for such languages.
The push for innovation led to the birth of Scala, one of the most influential JVM languages to date. Released in 2003, Scala combined object-oriented programming (OOP) and functional programming (FP) paradigms into a single language, providing a more expressive and concise syntax compared to Java. Scala made it easier for developers to write code that was more flexible, allowing them to use functional programming techniques like higher-order functions, immutability, and pattern matching alongside object-oriented constructs.
Around the same time, Clojure, a Lisp dialect, was introduced to the JVM in 2007. Clojure emphasized immutability, concurrency, and functional programming, making it a strong candidate for applications that required high scalability and parallel processing. Clojure’s simplicity and focus on concurrency quickly made it popular in the JVM ecosystem, particularly for those working in complex, data-heavy applications.
The Rise of Kotlin and Groovy
In recent years, two more JVM languages have gained significant traction and recognition for their ability to improve developer productivity and simplify development workflows: Kotlin and Groovy.
Kotlin, which was developed by JetBrains and released in 2011, has emerged as one of the most widely adopted JVM languages. Kotlin’s main appeal lies in its ability to run seamlessly on the JVM while offering a more concise, expressive, and type-safe syntax compared to Java. Kotlin was designed to be fully interoperable with Java, allowing developers to use Kotlin alongside their existing Java codebases without any friction. The language also includes many modern features such as null safety, extension functions, and coroutines for handling asynchronous tasks. Kotlin’s popularity surged when Google announced in 2017 that it would officially support Kotlin for Android development, further cementing its place as one of the most important JVM languages.
Groovy, created in 2003 by James Strachan, is another dynamic language that runs on the JVM. It is often used for scripting, testing, and as a more concise alternative to Java in various scenarios. Groovy’s syntax is very similar to Java, but it offers a more flexible, dynamic approach to programming. It is commonly used in conjunction with frameworks like Grails and Spock for building web applications and testing Java codebases.
The JVM Ecosystem Today
Today, the JVM ecosystem is diverse and vibrant, supporting a wide range of programming languages that cater to various programming paradigms and use cases. These languages have enriched the JVM ecosystem by offering better support for concurrency, functional programming, modern syntax, and improved developer productivity. Additionally, the JVM provides a common runtime environment that ensures all JVM languages can interoperate with each other, making it easier for developers to combine the strengths of multiple languages in the same project.
The JVM is also an essential part of the broader Java ecosystem, with tools like Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Spring relying on the JVM for performance and scalability. This has led to JVM languages being increasingly used in data engineering, machine learning, and big data analytics, as well as in cloud-native application development.
The evolution of JVM languages has played a significant role in shaping modern software development. From the early days of Jython and Rhino to the rise of Scala, Clojure, Kotlin, and Groovy, each of these languages has brought something unique to the table, enriching the ecosystem and expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved on the JVM platform. The JVM’s ability to support multiple languages, while maintaining backward compatibility with Java, has ensured its continued relevance and importance in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.
With more developers turning to JVM languages for their projects, it’s clear that the JVM will remain a key player in the world of programming for years to come. Whether you’re working on enterprise applications, web development, or big data solutions, there’s likely a JVM language that fits your needs and enhances your development experience.
Most Popular JVM-Based Programming Languages
The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) has long been a cornerstone in the world of programming, and while Java remains its flagship language, numerous other programming languages have also emerged and gained substantial popularity within the JVM ecosystem. These languages offer various features that cater to specific use cases, development needs, and preferences. Let’s explore some of the most popular JVM languages and the unique characteristics they bring to the table.
Java: The Foundation of the JVM Ecosystem
Java is undoubtedly the original language that popularized the use of the JVM. Since its inception, Java has become one of the most widely adopted programming languages, renowned for its cross-platform compatibility, stability, and reliability. Java’s slogan, “Write once, run anywhere,” is made possible by the JVM, which allows Java applications to be executed on any platform that has a compatible JVM, regardless of the underlying hardware or operating system.
Java’s rich ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools has contributed to its long-standing success across diverse domains, including web development, mobile applications (Android), enterprise software, and more. With its continuous evolution, Java has adapted to modern programming paradigms by incorporating features such as lambda expressions and functional programming constructs. Furthermore, Java’s extensive documentation and large community ensure that developers can easily find resources and support when needed.
One of Java’s key strengths lies in its backward compatibility, ensuring that older applications continue to run seamlessly on newer versions of the language. This stability, combined with its reliability and vast support for enterprise-level solutions, makes Java an excellent choice for large-scale, mission-critical applications. Although many JVM languages have emerged, Java continues to set the benchmark for performance, scalability, and security in the JVM ecosystem.
Kotlin: A Modern Alternative to Java
Kotlin, developed by JetBrains and released in 2010, has rapidly gained popularity, particularly in the Android development community. Known for its concise and expressive syntax, Kotlin offers a more modern and streamlined alternative to Java. While it runs on the JVM and is fully interoperable with Java, Kotlin reduces much of the boilerplate code that Java requires, making it easier for developers to write, maintain, and understand code.
Kotlin has a strong focus on null safety, which helps developers avoid one of the most common pitfalls in programming: null pointer exceptions. By making nullability explicit in the type system, Kotlin helps prevent runtime errors that occur due to null references, which has been a significant advantage in reducing bugs and improving the overall robustness of applications.
Another standout feature of Kotlin is its support for functional programming, which allows developers to write code that is more declarative and concise. Additionally, Kotlin offers powerful language features like data classes, extension functions, and lambdas, making it more expressive and easier to work with than Java. Kotlin also supports coroutines, a powerful concurrency tool that simplifies asynchronous programming and enhances performance.
Kotlin’s seamless integration with Java allows developers to gradually migrate existing Java codebases to Kotlin, making it an attractive option for teams looking to modernize their applications. Kotlin’s modern features, combined with its strong community support, have made it one of the fastest-growing languages in the JVM ecosystem, particularly for Android development.
Scala: Blending Functional and Object-Oriented Programming
Scala, designed by Martin Odersky and released in 2003, is a JVM language that combines both object-oriented and functional programming paradigms. Scala’s primary goal is to address the limitations of Java by providing more expressive and concise syntax while maintaining full compatibility with Java libraries and frameworks.
Scala’s hybrid approach makes it an ideal choice for developers who want to take advantage of both object-oriented and functional programming features. Scala supports immutable data structures, pattern matching, higher-order functions, and lazy evaluation, all of which are core principles of functional programming. These features allow developers to write more declarative and succinct code that is easier to reason about.
Scala’s concise syntax is another major draw for developers, as it reduces the verbosity often associated with Java. Features such as type inference and higher-order functions enable developers to write clean and maintainable code with fewer lines. Additionally, Scala’s powerful concurrency model, supported by the Akka framework, allows developers to build highly scalable and responsive applications, making it suitable for building large-scale distributed systems.
In addition to its object-oriented and functional capabilities, Scala is also well-known for its ability to run on multiple platforms. Scala Native, for example, allows Scala to run outside the JVM on native systems, further extending the language’s reach. This makes Scala an attractive option for both JVM-based applications and projects that require native performance.
Scala has seen widespread adoption in the big data and data engineering ecosystems, particularly with frameworks like Apache Spark and Apache Kafka, where its concise syntax and functional programming capabilities are a natural fit. While Scala can have a steeper learning curve than Java or Kotlin, its flexibility and power make it a favorite among developers working on complex, large-scale systems.
Clojure: A Lisp-Based JVM Language
Clojure, a dialect of Lisp, is a JVM language that emphasizes immutability and concurrency. Created by Rich Hickey in 2007, Clojure follows the principles of functional programming and provides powerful tools for building concurrent applications. One of the key features of Clojure is its immutable data structures, which help avoid issues related to mutable state and shared memory in multi-threaded environments.
Clojure’s syntax is minimalistic and heavily inspired by Lisp, with code written as lists of expressions. This unique approach allows Clojure developers to express complex logic with a small amount of code, leveraging the power of functional programming techniques like higher-order functions, recursion, and first-class functions.
Clojure’s focus on concurrency is one of its standout features. It provides built-in support for managing state in concurrent applications through its Software Transactional Memory (STM) system, which enables developers to write safe, concurrent code without the need for locks or explicit synchronization. This makes Clojure an excellent choice for building highly concurrent, distributed systems.
While Clojure is a niche language in the JVM ecosystem, it has gained a dedicated following among developers who prioritize functional programming and concurrency. Its lightweight syntax and focus on immutability make it a strong candidate for applications that require high scalability and parallel processing, such as financial systems and real-time analytics.
Groovy: A Dynamic Language for the JVM
Groovy is a dynamic language for the JVM that is closely related to Java but offers a more concise and flexible syntax. Groovy has become popular for scripting, domain-specific languages (DSLs), and automating tasks within the JVM ecosystem. It integrates seamlessly with Java, allowing developers to use existing Java libraries and frameworks while benefiting from Groovy’s more succinct syntax and dynamic capabilities.
Groovy’s syntax is similar to Java, but it simplifies many common tasks, such as file I/O, string manipulation, and working with collections. Groovy’s support for dynamic typing, closures, and metaprogramming makes it highly flexible and adaptable, which is particularly useful for tasks like writing build scripts (e.g., Gradle) or testing frameworks.
One of Groovy’s most popular uses is within the Gradle build system, where its concise syntax and integration with Java libraries make it an excellent choice for defining build scripts and automating development workflows. Groovy is also frequently used for testing purposes, with frameworks like Spock providing a more expressive and user-friendly alternative to traditional testing tools.
Despite being a dynamically typed language, Groovy also provides tools for type checking, allowing developers to strike a balance between dynamic flexibility and static safety. This makes Groovy a versatile and powerful language for developers who want the benefits of dynamic programming while still being able to leverage the static type checking of Java.
The JVM ecosystem offers a diverse array of programming languages that cater to different developer needs, from Kotlin’s modern features to Scala’s combination of object-oriented and functional paradigms, and Clojure’s focus on concurrency. Each JVM language brings its own strengths and trade-offs, giving developers the flexibility to choose the right tool for their specific project requirements.
While Java remains the most widely used language on the JVM, the rise of languages like Kotlin, Scala, Groovy, and Clojure demonstrates the growing diversity and innovation within the JVM ecosystem. Whether you’re working on Android development, big data applications, or distributed systems, there’s a JVM language to fit your needs. By exploring and experimenting with these languages, developers can enhance their skills, optimize their workflows, and contribute to the ever-evolving world of JVM-based software development.
Exploring JVM Languages: Clojure, Groovy, Jython, and JRuby
The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) has become a crucial platform for running multiple programming languages, far beyond the bounds of Java itself. As developers sought new features, better paradigms, and more flexible approaches to software development, various languages were introduced that run seamlessly on the JVM. These languages leverage the power of Java’s runtime environment while offering developers unique features and enhanced programming experiences. Some of the most popular JVM languages include Clojure, Groovy, Jython, and JRuby, each catering to different needs and programming paradigms. In this article, we explore the key characteristics of these JVM languages, their strengths, and how they contribute to modern software development.
1. Clojure: A Functional Programming Powerhouse
Clojure is a modern, functional programming language developed by Rich Hickey. It was designed to run on the JVM and brings a fresh perspective to programming by focusing on immutability, concurrency, and simplicity. At its core, Clojure is a Lisp-like language that relies heavily on functional programming concepts, making it ideal for developers looking to implement high-performance applications that require efficient parallelism and thread safety.
Clojure’s design emphasizes the use of immutable data structures, which ensures that once data is created, it cannot be altered, making it safer to use in concurrent systems. This focus on immutability allows for easier reasoning about the program’s state, reducing the chances of bugs that arise from unexpected changes to shared data. Additionally, Clojure provides built-in support for concurrency, with constructs like software transactional memory (STM) that make handling multi-threaded applications more manageable.
A significant advantage of Clojure is its seamless integration with Java libraries. This means that Clojure developers can take full advantage of the vast number of Java libraries, tools, and frameworks while enjoying the unique features of the language. Clojure is also known for its macro system, which allows developers to create new language constructs that can alter the structure of the code at runtime, giving them the flexibility to implement complex logic dynamically.
Clojure’s expressive syntax and functional programming features make it particularly suitable for applications that demand high concurrency and scalability, such as financial systems, big data processing, and distributed systems. As a result, it has gained a niche following among developers working in these areas, particularly those interested in functional programming.
2. Groovy: A Dynamic and Concise Language for the JVM
Groovy is another JVM language that has gained widespread adoption due to its dynamic nature, conciseness, and ease of integration with Java. Developed by Pivotal and now supported by the Apache Software Foundation, Groovy is often used for scripting tasks, domain-specific languages (DSLs), and building web applications. Its syntax is similar to Java but more flexible and concise, which makes it easier to write and maintain.
One of the key strengths of Groovy is its ability to integrate seamlessly with Java. This allows developers to write Java code alongside Groovy code within the same project, making it easier for teams familiar with Java to adopt Groovy without a steep learning curve. Groovy also supports powerful features like closures, dynamic typing, and meta-programming, which give developers more control over the code during runtime.
Groovy is widely used in continuous integration (CI) environments, especially with tools like Jenkins. Jenkins, a popular automation server used in DevOps pipelines, heavily relies on Groovy for creating scripts that automate tasks such as building, testing, and deploying applications. Groovy’s flexibility and dynamic capabilities make it ideal for such CI/CD scenarios, where fast iterations and automation are crucial.
Moreover, Groovy supports the creation of domain-specific languages (DSLs), which are custom languages designed to solve specific problems within a given domain. Developers can create DSLs to express complex logic in a concise, human-readable form, improving productivity and simplifying the development process.
3. Jython: Bridging Python and the JVM
Jython is the implementation of the Python programming language for the JVM. It was first released in the early 2000s and has since allowed Python developers to write code that runs directly on the JVM, enabling them to access Java libraries and tools within their Python applications. Jython enables Python developers to use the extensive ecosystem of Java libraries while maintaining the simplicity and flexibility of Python syntax.
One of the standout features of Jython is its ability to run Python code natively on the JVM, which was previously not possible with traditional Python implementations. Jython is based on Python 2.x, and while it does not yet fully support Python 3.x, it remains a valuable tool for developers who need to integrate Python with Java applications.
Using Jython, Python developers can call Java classes and utilize Java-based frameworks and libraries, making it easier to incorporate Java functionality into their Python applications. This feature is particularly useful for Python developers working in environments where the Java ecosystem is dominant, such as enterprise-level applications or large-scale systems that depend on Java-based technologies.
Despite being slower than some other JVM languages, Jython provides a unique bridge between the worlds of Python and Java, allowing developers to bring the best of both languages together in a single application.
4. JRuby: Running Ruby on the JVM
JRuby is another important JVM implementation, but this time for the Ruby programming language. JRuby provides Ruby developers with the ability to run their Ruby code on the JVM, enabling access to Java libraries and tools while maintaining Ruby’s dynamic and expressive syntax. It was first introduced in 2001 and has evolved to become a highly capable JVM-based Ruby interpreter.
One of the key features of JRuby is its compatibility with modern versions of Ruby, including Ruby 2.x. This makes it possible for developers to run the latest Ruby code on the JVM without having to worry about compatibility issues. Additionally, JRuby is highly optimized for multi-threading, which means it can take full advantage of the JVM’s concurrency features. This makes JRuby a strong choice for applications that require high performance, especially in CPU-bound operations.
JRuby also allows developers to use Java libraries directly within their Ruby code, making it easier to integrate Java functionality into Ruby-based applications. The ability to mix Ruby with Java provides a unique advantage for Ruby developers working in environments where Java-based tools, libraries, or infrastructure are already in place.
JRuby has found use in a variety of applications, including web development, scripting, and automation tasks. It is often used alongside popular Ruby web frameworks like Rails, offering developers a powerful combination of Ruby’s simplicity and the JVM’s robustness.
Clojure, Groovy, Jython, and JRuby each bring unique capabilities to the JVM ecosystem, offering developers the flexibility to choose the best language for their specific needs. Clojure shines in the functional programming realm, providing powerful concurrency and immutability features for high-performance applications. Groovy’s dynamic nature and seamless integration with Java make it ideal for scripting and building DSLs, while Jython and JRuby bring Python and Ruby to the JVM, allowing developers to leverage Java libraries within their preferred languages.
These JVM languages enrich the broader ecosystem by offering alternatives to Java that can address various programming paradigms and use cases. Whether you’re working in big data, web development, or enterprise systems, there is likely a JVM language that can provide the tools and features you need to enhance your development process.
Lesser-Known JVM Languages to Explore
While languages like Java, Kotlin, Scala, and Groovy dominate the JVM landscape, the ecosystem is filled with other languages designed to offer unique features and capabilities. These lesser-known JVM languages provide developers with more options for tackling specific challenges, enabling them to choose the right tool for the job. In this section, we will explore some of the more niche JVM languages that are worth mentioning, each contributing something distinctive to the world of software development.
Ceylon: A Readable, Modern Alternative
Ceylon is a relatively new language developed by Red Hat, designed with the goal of improving on some of the common pain points found in Java. While Java is powerful, it can sometimes be verbose and cumbersome, especially when working with complex type systems. Ceylon addresses these issues by offering a more readable and expressive syntax. One of its core philosophies is simplicity and clarity, making it easier for developers to write and maintain code.
Ceylon is designed to work seamlessly on both the JVM and JavaScript platforms, which allows developers to build applications that can run on a variety of environments. Its type system is more modern and approachable, with features like type inference and union types, which allow developers to write safer and more concise code. Additionally, Ceylon’s syntax is inspired by modern programming languages, with a focus on ease of use and readability.
While not as widely adopted as Java or Kotlin, Ceylon’s clean syntax and enhanced developer experience make it an interesting choice for those looking for a more intuitive programming environment on the JVM.
Frege: Haskell on the JVM
Frege is a functional programming language that is based on Haskell and runs on the JVM. It brings the benefits of Haskell’s immutability, lazy evaluation, and pure functional programming constructs to JVM-based development. The language is designed for developers who prefer the declarative, functional style of programming, which focuses on expressing computations in terms of functions rather than state and mutable data.
One of the key advantages of Frege is its strong emphasis on immutability, which helps reduce side effects and ensures that data remains consistent throughout the application. By embracing Haskell’s philosophy of purity and immutability, Frege offers a more predictable and maintainable codebase, making it a great choice for building reliable, functional applications.
Despite being a niche language, Frege is notable for its good interoperability with Java. Developers can call Java libraries from within Frege, allowing them to take advantage of the rich Java ecosystem while still writing code in a functional style. This makes Frege an attractive option for developers interested in functional programming who also want to leverage the power of the JVM.
Haxe: A Versatile Cross-Platform Language
Haxe is a multi-platform programming language designed to work across a wide variety of platforms, including the JVM. It is an incredibly versatile language that can compile to not only the JVM but also JavaScript, C++, PHP, Python, and many other platforms. This cross-platform nature makes Haxe a highly valuable tool for developers looking to create applications that can run in multiple environments without needing to rewrite significant portions of code for each one.
The syntax of Haxe is compact and expressive, making it easier to write code that is both concise and efficient. Its flexibility allows developers to write code that can be compiled for different targets, which is particularly useful in situations where you want to create a multi-platform application but don’t want to deal with the complexity of using multiple languages and frameworks.
With Haxe, developers can leverage powerful features like type inference, abstract data types, and cross-compilation, allowing for more efficient and robust software development. Its ability to target a variety of platforms, including the JVM, makes Haxe an appealing choice for developers working on cross-platform or multi-environment applications.
Fantom: Simplifying Cross-Platform Development
Fantom is an innovative programming language designed for building applications that can run on multiple platforms. Unlike many other JVM languages, Fantom is not just limited to running on the JVM but also has implementations for the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR). This unique capability allows developers to write code that can run across both JVM and .NET platforms, simplifying the development of cross-platform applications.
Fantom provides an abstraction layer that hides the underlying platform differences, allowing developers to write code that works seamlessly across multiple environments. This cross-platform capability makes Fantom an ideal choice for organizations that need to deploy applications in both JVM-based and .NET environments without having to rewrite large parts of their codebase.
Fantom’s syntax is clean and expressive, drawing inspiration from both object-oriented and functional programming paradigms. It also comes with a powerful set of libraries that make it easy to build robust and scalable applications. Despite its relatively small community, Fantom’s potential for simplifying cross-platform development makes it worth considering for developers who need to target both JVM and .NET platforms.
Xtend: A Java-Compatible Language with Modern Features
Xtend is a statically-typed programming language that compiles directly into Java source code. It offers a more concise and modern syntax compared to Java, making it easier to write and maintain code while maintaining full compatibility with Java. Xtend is particularly useful for developers already working with Java who want to streamline their codebase without abandoning the JVM.
One of the main advantages of Xtend is its ability to add powerful language features to Java, such as lambdas, operators, and enhanced type inference. Xtend’s syntax is designed to reduce boilerplate code, making it more expressive and efficient than traditional Java. Additionally, Xtend supports reactive programming through features like data binding and event-driven programming, which makes it a great option for building modern, responsive applications.
By compiling down to Java code, Xtend allows developers to integrate it seamlessly with existing Java codebases and libraries. This makes Xtend a great choice for Java developers looking to modernize their code while still leveraging the full power of the Java ecosystem. With its focus on simplicity and expressiveness, Xtend provides an excellent balance between modern features and Java compatibility.
Conclusion
The JVM ecosystem is rich with a diverse array of programming languages, each designed to cater to specific developer needs and project requirements. While Java remains the flagship language for the JVM, languages like Kotlin, Scala, Groovy, and Clojure have gained widespread adoption due to their unique features and capabilities. Additionally, languages like Ceylon, Frege, Haxe, Fantom, and Xtend offer specialized solutions for developers looking to tackle specific challenges in modern software development.
Whether you’re looking for more concise syntax, enhanced functional programming capabilities, or cross-platform support, the JVM ecosystem has a language to fit your needs. By exploring and experimenting with these lesser-known JVM languages, developers can expand their toolkit, improve their coding practices, and discover new ways to approach problem-solving. As the JVM continues to evolve, the variety of programming languages designed to run on it will only increase, providing developers with even more choices and opportunities to innovate.