Why Java Champion?

My journey to becoming a Java Champion and what it means to me. From humble beginnings as a Java developer to recognition as a Java Champion, this is my story of dedication, community contribution, and technical excellence.

I have been working with Java since 1999, beginning with Java 1.1, and have dedicated more than two decades to advancing the language, its ecosystem, and its community. My journey began with a solid academic foundation, earning a Master’s in Computer Science (2001), followed by early recognition as a Sun Certified Java Programmer (2002) and Sun Certified Web Developer (2003). Since then, Java has remained the backbone of my professional work, open-source projects, and mentoring initiatives.

Sun Certified Java Programmer 2002
Sun Certified Java Programmer Certification (2002)

Projects

1. JAQ Stack

I am the creator of JAQ Stack, a Java-Angular-NoSQL Rapid Application Development (RAD) framework that helps developers build production-ready applications faster. JAQ Stack provides prebuilt templates, REST backends, and an extensible architecture designed to accelerate enterprise-grade development.

Recognitions

Focus Areas

  • Full-stack Java with Angular and NoSQL integrations
  • AI-ready architecture for microservices
  • Reusable modules for rapid enterprise prototyping

2. ProgressJava.com

I founded ProgressJava.com as an open knowledge initiative to make Java learning accessible, modern, and practical for developers at all levels. Progress Java serves as a living documentation portal that focuses on tutorials, best practices, and frameworks for building real-world Java applications.

Highlights

  • Covers both core Java and modern frameworks such as Jakarta EE, Helidon, and Micronaut
  • Features structured learning paths for Java beginners and professionals
  • Designed with Docusaurus to create a developer-friendly, documentation-first learning experience
  • Encourages contributions from the Java community to continuously evolve the content

Progress Java reflects my belief that education, open collaboration, and community-driven documentation are essential pillars of the Java ecosystem.

Open Source Contributions

My passion for Java extends into open-source software. I have contributed to multiple projects that improve developer productivity, microservice performance, and integration quality.

Ongoing Work

  • Currently in the process of redesigning the OpenJDK.org website, working with the OpenJDK Web Team to improve accessibility, discoverability, and engagement for the global Java developer community.

Notable Contributions

Community and Ecosystem Support

I am an active supporter and contributor across several foundational open-source and standards-driven communities that strengthen the Java ecosystem.

  • Apache Sling – Community member and content management contributor
  • Jakarta EE – Contributor to enterprise Java standards and APIs
  • Linux Foundation – Supporter of open development and sustainable open-source practices
  • FinOS – Advocate for open-source collaboration in financial services

These initiatives align with my goal of ensuring Java continues to evolve as an open, interoperable, and enterprise-ready platform.

Blogs and Knowledge Sharing

I believe that sharing knowledge is one of the most effective ways to strengthen the developer community. I actively write Java-focused technical blogs and tutorials on topics such as:

  • Building microservices with Helidon and Docker
  • Integrating Java with AI and modern cloud architectures
  • Designing scalable CMS and enterprise platforms with Java and Sling
  • Improving developer velocity using frameworks like JAQ Stack

A few:

My content focuses on clarity, real-world application, and modern Java development patterns, helping new and experienced developers alike.

Speaking

I enjoy sharing knowledge through talks and community sessions that inspire developers to explore Java in modern contexts such as AI, cloud, and microservices.

A few:

My goal in every talk is to bridge modern software engineering trends with core Java principles, helping developers see how the language continues to evolve for new generations.

Alignment with Java Champion Values

The Java Champion title represents technical excellence, community leadership, and the spirit of open collaboration. My work reflects these principles through:

  • Long-term dedication to the Java platform (since 1999)
  • Continuous open-source contribution and mentoring
  • Building frameworks and educational tools that empower others
  • Advocacy for a modern, inclusive, and open Java ecosystem

I aspire to continue expanding my impact through mentorship, open-source collaboration, and innovation that make Java development faster, smarter, and more accessible for the next generation of engineers.

Becoming a Java Champion would be both an honor and an opportunity to serve the global Java community with greater reach and purpose.

— Suren K.