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Heinz Kabutz: Really Life Changing!
Duke’s Corner Java Podcast: Heinz Kabutz: Really Life Changing!
Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Heinz Kabutz from the Island of Crete in Greece. Heinz has a PhD in Computer Science, publishes the The JavaSpecialists’ Newsletter, and runs the JCrete Unconference. Heinz is also a Java Champion and a teacher, and he cares deeply about the technology and the community. Recently, Heinz was recognized for his Lifetime Achievement by Sharat Chander from Oracle Java Developer Relations. “I was on cloud nine! I was so honored,” Heinz said.
In this conversation Heinz previews some JEPs in the upcoming Java 25 release, he comments on the value of the 6-month Java release cycle, he outlines how he’s contributed code to OpenJDK (and how others can too!), he offers some detailed advice to students getting involved in software development for the first time, and he talks at length about the opportunities for developers who participate at the JCrete Unconference. “I have seen people whose entire careers got revolutionized just by coming to JCrete once. It’s really life changing!” See an outline of quotes below by subject and also listen via the link above.
Links where this interview can be found: Apple | Bluesky | Libsyn | LinkedIn | LinkedIn | LinkedIn | LinkedIn | LinkedIn | WordPress | WordPress | X | X | X | X | X | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube. All of Duke’ Corner Java Podcast episodes. Below are more quotes from the interview:
Quotes on Learning
Solve Real-World Problems to Learn ProgrammingTimestamp: 00:51:18Context: While discussing advice for new students or those transitioning into software development, Heinz emphasizes a practical approach to learning programming. He says that beginners should focus on solving real-world problems relevant to their lives, using Java as the tool, obviously. This method not only makes learning engaging but also helps learners see immediate value in their coding efforts, fostering a deeper understanding of programming concepts through practical application.Quote: “My advice is if you want to learn how to program, it doesn’t matter what language it is. Let’s take Java because that’s a great language to work in. Look for problems that you’ve got that you’re trying to solve in your real life and then solve them using Java.”
Build a GitHub PortfolioTimestamp: 00:51:37Context: Heinz advises aspiring developers to create a public GitHub account to showcase their coding projects, even if the initial code is relatively rudimentary. He says that building a portfolio of projects, regardless of their simplicity, demonstrates progress and commitment to potential employers. This approach allows beginners to document their learning journey, gain visibility in the developer community, engage mentors who can help and provide guidance, and build confidence without fear of judgment for early, less polished work.Quote: “And then as you become more adept at coding, go and create yourself a GitHub account and the little projects that you do, put them there. Make them public. And no one’s going to judge you for basic, very, very badly written code when you were starting off.”
Project Euler for Algorithmic GrowthTimestamp: 00:54:44Context: Heinz recommends Project Euler (projecteuler.net) as an interesting resource for developing problem-solving and algorithmic skills. He says that the site offers mathematical problems that require coding solutions, encouraging developers to think critically about algorithms rather than relying on brute-force methods. This approach, he says, helps programmers refine their ability to devise efficient solutions, which is a critical skill in software development.Quote: “The other thing that I’ve done a lot of is this nice little website called Project Euler, projecteuler.net, and they’ve got maths problems that you have to solve with code. … You have to think about the algorithms. You’ve got to think about what’s a clever way to solve it.”
Programming as Addictive LearningTimestamp: 00:55:30Context: During a recent conversation with an 18-year-old computer science student, Heinz highlights the addictive nature of programming. He describes how solving coding problems can create a powerful sense of achievement, releasing dopamine and endorphins that make programming highly engaging. This insight supports the motivational aspect of learning to code because the thrill of problem-solving can drive continuous learning and persistence in the field.Quote: “I said to him, you need to be careful because programming is very addictive. … It’s very addictive because once you start solving problems, you get this incredible dopamine hit, endorphins being released, like you’re a cocaine high without taking drugs.”
Quotes on Java 25
Flexible Constructor Bodies in Java 25Timestamp: 00:45:46Context: Heinz discusses JEP 513, Flexible Constructor Bodies, a feature in Java 25 that enhances constructor flexibility. He explains that this JEP allows developers to validate parameters before calling a superclass constructor, addressing issues like ensuring valid data (e.g., non-negative age for a Person class). This improvement, which progressed through multiple preview stages, simplifies and strengthens constructor logic, making it easier to write robust code.Quote: “There’s this new one now, the JEP 513, Flexible Constructor Bodies. … It does allow us to do checking of values, of parameters, before calling super. … So, for example, if you have a valid range of values, for example, person with age, we don’t want the age to be negative, so we can check the age in the constructor before calling super, which is really great.”
Simplified Main Methods for EducationTimestamp: 00:48:30Context: Heinz highlights JEP 512, which introduces compact source files and implicit main methods in Java 25, aimed at reducing confusing boilerplate code for beginners. He says that this feature simplifies the traditionally complex public static void main declaration, making Java more approachable for new learners. By removing unnecessary syntax, it allows educators to focus on teaching core programming concepts, which is a change he observed being adopted in educational materials like the book Core Java.Quote: “One of them is called JEP 512, which has compact source files and instant main methods. … It’s way better, way easier to understand than the old version of working with Java. So from an education perspective, that’s great.”
Quotes on OpenJDK
Importance of Verifying Bugs Before SubmissionTimestamp: 00:23:01Context: Reflecting on his experience contributing to OpenJDK, Heinz stresses the importance of thoroughly testing and verifying bugs before submitting them. Many times you’ll find out, it’s not a bug! He advises developers to download and build the JDK to confirm the issue, ensuring they don’t waste maintainers’ time with invalid reports. This disciplined approach, drawn from his own journey as an external contributor, enhances the quality and credibility of submissions to the Java bug database.Quote: “I would recommend anybody who wants to log a bug, download the JDK, build it, try out whether your bug actually is a bug before sending it, because you’re just going to waste people’s time.”
Contributing Fixes to OpenJDKTimestamp: 00:23:26Context: Heinz shares his evolved approach to contributing to OpenJDK, where he not only identifies bugs but also provides fixes. By submitting a pull request alongside a bug report, he streamlines the review process for maintainers. This method, developed through his experience finding obscure bugs in concurrent classes, demonstrates a proactive and efficient way to contribute to the Java development community.Quote: “Find the bug and then fix it. Then you can submit a pull request together with a bug.”
Parallel Multiplication in BigIntegerTimestamp: 00:25:10Context: Heinz describes his contribution of a parallel multiplication algorithm to OpenJDK’s BigInteger class, inspired by a newsletter on parallel Fibonacci calculations. He implemented the Toom Cook 3 algorithm using Java’s fork-join framework, which was accepted and later improved by other developers. This contribution showcases how personal projects can lead to impactful additions to the JDK, enhancing performance for large-scale computations.Quote: “The other thing I added was a parallel multiply to big integer. … I wrote the code where I parallelized the ToomCook3 algorithm using fork join. And it actually got accepted.”
Quotes on the 6-Month Java Release Cycle
Skepticism Moves to SuccessTimestamp: 00:43:07Context: Heinz remembers his initial skepticism about Oracle’s decision to adopt a six-month release cycle for Java, given the previous multi-year development and release model. He says that Oracle successfully implemented this faster cadence, allowing for more frequent updates and improvements. This shift has made it easier to introduce and refine features over time, which aligns with the dynamic needs of developers as they learn, code, and implement their own systems.Quote: “I was very skeptical when they announced six-month release cadence. … First of all, I didn’t believe that they could do it, but they have. They’ve done a really good job with it.”
Flexibility of the Release CycleTimestamp: 00:44:02Context: Heinz praises the flexibility of the six-month release cycle, which allows developers to integrate changes quickly if they miss any given release window. He mentions how his bug fixes for concurrent classes were deferred from Java 25 (an LTS release) to Java 26 to ensure stability, which shows how the rapid cycle provides multiple opportunities to contribute updates when they are ready.Quote: “I absolutely love it because it’s like if you miss the one train, you go next month. … So if you miss the one, you’ll have another chance in six months’ time.”
Preview Features in the Release CycleTimestamp: 00:44:26Context: Heinz appreciates the use of preview features in the six-month release cycle, which allows the Java team to test and refine new functionalities over multiple releases. He cites the structured concurrency feature, now in its fifth preview, as an example of how this iterative approach ensures robust and well-tested additions to the platform.Quote: “The other thing which is really great is all the different previews. So they’ll try a feature with a preview version. … The structure of concurrence is on the fifth preview. So they’re still trying to figure out exactly how to do it.”
Quotes on JCrete
Life-Changing Impact of JCreteTimestamp: 00:11:20Context: Heinz passionately encourages developers to attend JCrete. He describes the event as a transformative experience due to its unique unconference format and setting on the island of Crete. He emphasizes that the event’s impact is so significant that attendees should prioritize it, highlighting its role in fostering deep professional and personal growth through networking and collaboration.Quote: “If you ever get a chance to get a place at JCrete, don’t turn it down. You really, really want to make it. Just like sell your house, get a double mortgage and come because it’s really life changing.”
Career Transformation Through NetworkingTimestamp: 00:11:30Context: Heinz explains how JCrete’s intimate and collaborative environment facilitates powerful networking opportunities that can reshape careers for developers. By connecting with influential Java community members, including many Java Champions, participants gain access to new professional networks, job opportunities, and collaborative projects that can significantly grow their careers.Quote: “I’ve seen a lot of people whose entire careers got revolutionized just by coming to JCrete once. Because you make so many connections there that it’s really life changing.”
Advanced Technical Discussions at JCreteTimestamp: 00:09:10Context: Heinz describes the unique format of JCrete, where sessions involve small, circular discussions rather than traditional lectures. He highlights how these sessions attract advanced Java developers, including those who have contributed to the JDK from Oracle and OpenJDK from the community. The interactions at JCrete promote in-depth technical exchanges, such as discussions on the ZGC generational garbage collector, that push the boundaries of Java expertise.Quote: “It’s literally sitting in a circle, one person saying, I want to talk about the ZGC generational garbage collector, the new generational one, and what effects that’s going to have. And then you’ll have the guy that actually wrote it saying, well, actually, it’s pretty good, and they’ll have a whole discussion going on there.”
Quotes on Development Processes
Thoughtful Bug SubmissionTimestamp: 00:26:46Context: Heinz warns against hastily submitting bug reports to OpenJDK, emphasizing the need for careful validation to respect maintainers’ time. In a funny way he expresses concern that his podcast comments might encourage a flood of poorly considered bug reports, underscoring the importance of ensuring submissions are genuine and well-documented to maintain trust and efficiency in the contribution process.Quote: “You need to because you want to – What I really don’t want is out of this talk to have, you know, 100,000 of your listeners now are going to go, hey, let’s log some bugs. … Make sure that it really is a bug!”
Considering Behavioral Impact of FixesTimestamp: 00:28:00Context: Heinz remembers a scenario where he identified a performance issue in hash sets but chose not to submit a fix after realizing it would alter the observed behavior of sets, potentially causing confusion for developers who expect a certain perfomance. This experience highlights the importance of considering the broader implications of changes in a widely-used system like Java, balancing performance improvements with consistency.Quote: “And then as I was writing the fix and I was going through it, I realized that it would substantially change the way, the behavior of these sets, which wouldn’t be incorrect, but it would be very inconsistent with how it works at the moment.”
Earning Credibility in Open SourceTimestamp: 00:29:50Context: Heinz discusses the culture of Open Source contributions and draws parallels with craftsmanship in construction. He emphasizes that building credibility through small, well-executed contributions is key to earning trust within the community. This approach, he says, mirrors the gradual skill-building process in other skilled trades, reinforcing the value of steady, thoughtful engagement.Quote: “You start contributing slowly with things that you know well. Get credibility. You earn your way. That’s what I really like about the culture of open source.”
Quotes on Community Building
Technical Newsletter as Community BuilderTimestamp: 00:06:15Context: Heinz reflects on how his The Java Specialists’ Newsletter, running for 25 years, has created a sense of community among its subscribers in 150 countries. By sharing personal anecdotes along with deeply technical content, the newsletter promotes a tribal connection, making subscribers feel part of a global Java community that values both knowledge and friendship.Quote: “People feel part of something. We all want to be part of a tribe. And the people that sign up to our newsletter, they’re part of that community.”
Generosity of the Java CommunityTimestamp: 00:07:34Context: Heinz praises the Java community’s culture of generosity and collaboration, noting its unique willingness to share knowledge and resources freely. He contrasts this with other communities, highlighting how Java developers’ kindness and supportiveness create a nurturing environment for learning, collaboration, and technical innovation.Quote: “I find the Java people are just the best. They’re just the nicest people in the world, really. … We are so helpful with one another. We’re just so kind and generous.”
Oracle’s Stewardship of JavaTimestamp: 00:58:07Context: At the end of the interview, Heinz praises Oracle for its stewardship of Java since acquiring it from Sun Microsystems in 2009. Initially skeptical about the acquisition, Heinz acknowledges Oracle’s significant investment in resources and its support for the Java community’s growth, allowing it to thrive despite competitive pressures.Quote: “I want to give a shout out to the amazing stewardship that Oracle has given Java. … The amount of effort that Oracle has put in, resources you’ve put in, and also the fact that if allowed, I would say, the community to flourish, even though they are competitors and so on, you’re still allowed to flourish, has been really remarkable — Great job!”
Interview Archive
Get full access to Jim Grisanzio at jimgrisanzio.substack.com/subscribe
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By Jim GrisanzioDuke’s Corner Java Podcast: Heinz Kabutz: Really Life Changing!
Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Heinz Kabutz from the Island of Crete in Greece. Heinz has a PhD in Computer Science, publishes the The JavaSpecialists’ Newsletter, and runs the JCrete Unconference. Heinz is also a Java Champion and a teacher, and he cares deeply about the technology and the community. Recently, Heinz was recognized for his Lifetime Achievement by Sharat Chander from Oracle Java Developer Relations. “I was on cloud nine! I was so honored,” Heinz said.
In this conversation Heinz previews some JEPs in the upcoming Java 25 release, he comments on the value of the 6-month Java release cycle, he outlines how he’s contributed code to OpenJDK (and how others can too!), he offers some detailed advice to students getting involved in software development for the first time, and he talks at length about the opportunities for developers who participate at the JCrete Unconference. “I have seen people whose entire careers got revolutionized just by coming to JCrete once. It’s really life changing!” See an outline of quotes below by subject and also listen via the link above.
Links where this interview can be found: Apple | Bluesky | Libsyn | LinkedIn | LinkedIn | LinkedIn | LinkedIn | LinkedIn | WordPress | WordPress | X | X | X | X | X | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube. All of Duke’ Corner Java Podcast episodes. Below are more quotes from the interview:
Quotes on Learning
Solve Real-World Problems to Learn ProgrammingTimestamp: 00:51:18Context: While discussing advice for new students or those transitioning into software development, Heinz emphasizes a practical approach to learning programming. He says that beginners should focus on solving real-world problems relevant to their lives, using Java as the tool, obviously. This method not only makes learning engaging but also helps learners see immediate value in their coding efforts, fostering a deeper understanding of programming concepts through practical application.Quote: “My advice is if you want to learn how to program, it doesn’t matter what language it is. Let’s take Java because that’s a great language to work in. Look for problems that you’ve got that you’re trying to solve in your real life and then solve them using Java.”
Build a GitHub PortfolioTimestamp: 00:51:37Context: Heinz advises aspiring developers to create a public GitHub account to showcase their coding projects, even if the initial code is relatively rudimentary. He says that building a portfolio of projects, regardless of their simplicity, demonstrates progress and commitment to potential employers. This approach allows beginners to document their learning journey, gain visibility in the developer community, engage mentors who can help and provide guidance, and build confidence without fear of judgment for early, less polished work.Quote: “And then as you become more adept at coding, go and create yourself a GitHub account and the little projects that you do, put them there. Make them public. And no one’s going to judge you for basic, very, very badly written code when you were starting off.”
Project Euler for Algorithmic GrowthTimestamp: 00:54:44Context: Heinz recommends Project Euler (projecteuler.net) as an interesting resource for developing problem-solving and algorithmic skills. He says that the site offers mathematical problems that require coding solutions, encouraging developers to think critically about algorithms rather than relying on brute-force methods. This approach, he says, helps programmers refine their ability to devise efficient solutions, which is a critical skill in software development.Quote: “The other thing that I’ve done a lot of is this nice little website called Project Euler, projecteuler.net, and they’ve got maths problems that you have to solve with code. … You have to think about the algorithms. You’ve got to think about what’s a clever way to solve it.”
Programming as Addictive LearningTimestamp: 00:55:30Context: During a recent conversation with an 18-year-old computer science student, Heinz highlights the addictive nature of programming. He describes how solving coding problems can create a powerful sense of achievement, releasing dopamine and endorphins that make programming highly engaging. This insight supports the motivational aspect of learning to code because the thrill of problem-solving can drive continuous learning and persistence in the field.Quote: “I said to him, you need to be careful because programming is very addictive. … It’s very addictive because once you start solving problems, you get this incredible dopamine hit, endorphins being released, like you’re a cocaine high without taking drugs.”
Quotes on Java 25
Flexible Constructor Bodies in Java 25Timestamp: 00:45:46Context: Heinz discusses JEP 513, Flexible Constructor Bodies, a feature in Java 25 that enhances constructor flexibility. He explains that this JEP allows developers to validate parameters before calling a superclass constructor, addressing issues like ensuring valid data (e.g., non-negative age for a Person class). This improvement, which progressed through multiple preview stages, simplifies and strengthens constructor logic, making it easier to write robust code.Quote: “There’s this new one now, the JEP 513, Flexible Constructor Bodies. … It does allow us to do checking of values, of parameters, before calling super. … So, for example, if you have a valid range of values, for example, person with age, we don’t want the age to be negative, so we can check the age in the constructor before calling super, which is really great.”
Simplified Main Methods for EducationTimestamp: 00:48:30Context: Heinz highlights JEP 512, which introduces compact source files and implicit main methods in Java 25, aimed at reducing confusing boilerplate code for beginners. He says that this feature simplifies the traditionally complex public static void main declaration, making Java more approachable for new learners. By removing unnecessary syntax, it allows educators to focus on teaching core programming concepts, which is a change he observed being adopted in educational materials like the book Core Java.Quote: “One of them is called JEP 512, which has compact source files and instant main methods. … It’s way better, way easier to understand than the old version of working with Java. So from an education perspective, that’s great.”
Quotes on OpenJDK
Importance of Verifying Bugs Before SubmissionTimestamp: 00:23:01Context: Reflecting on his experience contributing to OpenJDK, Heinz stresses the importance of thoroughly testing and verifying bugs before submitting them. Many times you’ll find out, it’s not a bug! He advises developers to download and build the JDK to confirm the issue, ensuring they don’t waste maintainers’ time with invalid reports. This disciplined approach, drawn from his own journey as an external contributor, enhances the quality and credibility of submissions to the Java bug database.Quote: “I would recommend anybody who wants to log a bug, download the JDK, build it, try out whether your bug actually is a bug before sending it, because you’re just going to waste people’s time.”
Contributing Fixes to OpenJDKTimestamp: 00:23:26Context: Heinz shares his evolved approach to contributing to OpenJDK, where he not only identifies bugs but also provides fixes. By submitting a pull request alongside a bug report, he streamlines the review process for maintainers. This method, developed through his experience finding obscure bugs in concurrent classes, demonstrates a proactive and efficient way to contribute to the Java development community.Quote: “Find the bug and then fix it. Then you can submit a pull request together with a bug.”
Parallel Multiplication in BigIntegerTimestamp: 00:25:10Context: Heinz describes his contribution of a parallel multiplication algorithm to OpenJDK’s BigInteger class, inspired by a newsletter on parallel Fibonacci calculations. He implemented the Toom Cook 3 algorithm using Java’s fork-join framework, which was accepted and later improved by other developers. This contribution showcases how personal projects can lead to impactful additions to the JDK, enhancing performance for large-scale computations.Quote: “The other thing I added was a parallel multiply to big integer. … I wrote the code where I parallelized the ToomCook3 algorithm using fork join. And it actually got accepted.”
Quotes on the 6-Month Java Release Cycle
Skepticism Moves to SuccessTimestamp: 00:43:07Context: Heinz remembers his initial skepticism about Oracle’s decision to adopt a six-month release cycle for Java, given the previous multi-year development and release model. He says that Oracle successfully implemented this faster cadence, allowing for more frequent updates and improvements. This shift has made it easier to introduce and refine features over time, which aligns with the dynamic needs of developers as they learn, code, and implement their own systems.Quote: “I was very skeptical when they announced six-month release cadence. … First of all, I didn’t believe that they could do it, but they have. They’ve done a really good job with it.”
Flexibility of the Release CycleTimestamp: 00:44:02Context: Heinz praises the flexibility of the six-month release cycle, which allows developers to integrate changes quickly if they miss any given release window. He mentions how his bug fixes for concurrent classes were deferred from Java 25 (an LTS release) to Java 26 to ensure stability, which shows how the rapid cycle provides multiple opportunities to contribute updates when they are ready.Quote: “I absolutely love it because it’s like if you miss the one train, you go next month. … So if you miss the one, you’ll have another chance in six months’ time.”
Preview Features in the Release CycleTimestamp: 00:44:26Context: Heinz appreciates the use of preview features in the six-month release cycle, which allows the Java team to test and refine new functionalities over multiple releases. He cites the structured concurrency feature, now in its fifth preview, as an example of how this iterative approach ensures robust and well-tested additions to the platform.Quote: “The other thing which is really great is all the different previews. So they’ll try a feature with a preview version. … The structure of concurrence is on the fifth preview. So they’re still trying to figure out exactly how to do it.”
Quotes on JCrete
Life-Changing Impact of JCreteTimestamp: 00:11:20Context: Heinz passionately encourages developers to attend JCrete. He describes the event as a transformative experience due to its unique unconference format and setting on the island of Crete. He emphasizes that the event’s impact is so significant that attendees should prioritize it, highlighting its role in fostering deep professional and personal growth through networking and collaboration.Quote: “If you ever get a chance to get a place at JCrete, don’t turn it down. You really, really want to make it. Just like sell your house, get a double mortgage and come because it’s really life changing.”
Career Transformation Through NetworkingTimestamp: 00:11:30Context: Heinz explains how JCrete’s intimate and collaborative environment facilitates powerful networking opportunities that can reshape careers for developers. By connecting with influential Java community members, including many Java Champions, participants gain access to new professional networks, job opportunities, and collaborative projects that can significantly grow their careers.Quote: “I’ve seen a lot of people whose entire careers got revolutionized just by coming to JCrete once. Because you make so many connections there that it’s really life changing.”
Advanced Technical Discussions at JCreteTimestamp: 00:09:10Context: Heinz describes the unique format of JCrete, where sessions involve small, circular discussions rather than traditional lectures. He highlights how these sessions attract advanced Java developers, including those who have contributed to the JDK from Oracle and OpenJDK from the community. The interactions at JCrete promote in-depth technical exchanges, such as discussions on the ZGC generational garbage collector, that push the boundaries of Java expertise.Quote: “It’s literally sitting in a circle, one person saying, I want to talk about the ZGC generational garbage collector, the new generational one, and what effects that’s going to have. And then you’ll have the guy that actually wrote it saying, well, actually, it’s pretty good, and they’ll have a whole discussion going on there.”
Quotes on Development Processes
Thoughtful Bug SubmissionTimestamp: 00:26:46Context: Heinz warns against hastily submitting bug reports to OpenJDK, emphasizing the need for careful validation to respect maintainers’ time. In a funny way he expresses concern that his podcast comments might encourage a flood of poorly considered bug reports, underscoring the importance of ensuring submissions are genuine and well-documented to maintain trust and efficiency in the contribution process.Quote: “You need to because you want to – What I really don’t want is out of this talk to have, you know, 100,000 of your listeners now are going to go, hey, let’s log some bugs. … Make sure that it really is a bug!”
Considering Behavioral Impact of FixesTimestamp: 00:28:00Context: Heinz remembers a scenario where he identified a performance issue in hash sets but chose not to submit a fix after realizing it would alter the observed behavior of sets, potentially causing confusion for developers who expect a certain perfomance. This experience highlights the importance of considering the broader implications of changes in a widely-used system like Java, balancing performance improvements with consistency.Quote: “And then as I was writing the fix and I was going through it, I realized that it would substantially change the way, the behavior of these sets, which wouldn’t be incorrect, but it would be very inconsistent with how it works at the moment.”
Earning Credibility in Open SourceTimestamp: 00:29:50Context: Heinz discusses the culture of Open Source contributions and draws parallels with craftsmanship in construction. He emphasizes that building credibility through small, well-executed contributions is key to earning trust within the community. This approach, he says, mirrors the gradual skill-building process in other skilled trades, reinforcing the value of steady, thoughtful engagement.Quote: “You start contributing slowly with things that you know well. Get credibility. You earn your way. That’s what I really like about the culture of open source.”
Quotes on Community Building
Technical Newsletter as Community BuilderTimestamp: 00:06:15Context: Heinz reflects on how his The Java Specialists’ Newsletter, running for 25 years, has created a sense of community among its subscribers in 150 countries. By sharing personal anecdotes along with deeply technical content, the newsletter promotes a tribal connection, making subscribers feel part of a global Java community that values both knowledge and friendship.Quote: “People feel part of something. We all want to be part of a tribe. And the people that sign up to our newsletter, they’re part of that community.”
Generosity of the Java CommunityTimestamp: 00:07:34Context: Heinz praises the Java community’s culture of generosity and collaboration, noting its unique willingness to share knowledge and resources freely. He contrasts this with other communities, highlighting how Java developers’ kindness and supportiveness create a nurturing environment for learning, collaboration, and technical innovation.Quote: “I find the Java people are just the best. They’re just the nicest people in the world, really. … We are so helpful with one another. We’re just so kind and generous.”
Oracle’s Stewardship of JavaTimestamp: 00:58:07Context: At the end of the interview, Heinz praises Oracle for its stewardship of Java since acquiring it from Sun Microsystems in 2009. Initially skeptical about the acquisition, Heinz acknowledges Oracle’s significant investment in resources and its support for the Java community’s growth, allowing it to thrive despite competitive pressures.Quote: “I want to give a shout out to the amazing stewardship that Oracle has given Java. … The amount of effort that Oracle has put in, resources you’ve put in, and also the fact that if allowed, I would say, the community to flourish, even though they are competitors and so on, you’re still allowed to flourish, has been really remarkable — Great job!”
Interview Archive
Get full access to Jim Grisanzio at jimgrisanzio.substack.com/subscribe