Java6 is out this week. The java language itself remains the same as Java5 but many other API’s have been added so altogether is a very nice upgrade. Notable improvements is support for Web Services, scripting, JDBC 4.0, desktop integration stuff and the new layout manager GroupLayout, monitoring and management things like dynamic attach, improvements to Swing, security, performance etc. More info here. I think this will be a smooth passage for people that already passed to Java5 and it might just offer some sweet incentive to all die-hards that still haven’t done the leap.