Java development with an eye on the long term

Java has been the backbone of enterprise software for decades. But a codebase that once worked well will sooner or later need maintenance, modernization or migration. I help you move forward pragmatically, with an eye on long-term sustainability.

Java is nothing new, but your code needs to keep up

Many companies run Java applications that were built years ago. That is not a problem in itself. Java is stable, mature and widely supported. The problem arises when the codebase falls behind while the world around it changes.

New JDK versions bring better performance, better security and modern language features. Frameworks like Spring Boot are updated regularly and older versions reach end-of-life. And if your team treats every small change as a risk, that is a signal that the codebase is losing control of itself.

I help teams that manage Java applications and want to ensure those applications remain maintainable, secure and extensible five years from now. Without throwing everything overboard. Step by step, with attention to what is already there.

JDK versions, frameworks and maintenance: what I help with

Java development is broader than just writing code. In practice it is equally about migrations, configuration, tooling and dealing with outdated dependencies.

  • JDK migrations: from JDK 8 or 11 to JDK 17, 21 or 25, including resolving deprecated APIs and compatibility issues.
  • Spring Boot upgrades: from Spring Boot 2.x to 3.x or 4.x, including updating dependencies.
  • Maintenance of existing systems: fixing bugs, reducing technical debt and making code readable and testable.
  • Architecture modernization: from monolith to modular design, or moving towards microservices where it makes sense.
  • Build and CI/CD optimization: speeding up and making Maven or Gradle pipelines more reliable.

I work with Java 8 through Java 25, Spring Boot, Hibernate, Maven, Gradle and the associated tooling. Not as a consultant who delivers a report, but as a developer who actively contributes hands-on.

Built for enterprises with Java teams

I prefer working in environments where the complexity is serious: large codebases, multiple teams, legacy systems that are critical to the business but difficult to touch. Those are exactly the situations where I add the most value.

At clients like Rabobank, DSO and Intergamma I have worked on enterprise Java systems running at scale. I know what it is like to work in a team where every change has consequences for other teams or systems. I also know how to make progress anyway, by taking small, safe steps and building buy-in for improvement.

If you are looking for a senior Java developer or tech lead who both thinks and delivers, you are in the right place.

Perspective: why Java remains relevant in 2026

What I see in practice: companies that once wrote off Java as “legacy” and switched to something new sometimes come back. Not because Java is perfect, but because the alternatives bring their own challenges, and because a well-maintained Java system simply works reliably.

My view: the language is not the problem. The way code is written, organized and maintained is where the difference lies. That is also where I focus.

Want to know more about how I work? Visit the homepage for a complete overview of my services and background.

Get in touch for Java support

Do you have a Java system that needs maintenance, a migration that has been put off for too long, or simply need someone to think along with you? Feel free to reach out.

Get in Touch