Helidon
Helidon is an open source, Java-first framework for building lightweight cloud native microservices and AI-powered applications. Designed for performance, simplicity, and flexibility, Helidon enables enterprises to accelerate modern application development and take advantage of the latest Java innovations.
A modern Java foundation for faster service delivery
Standardizing on Helidon can help organizations reduce framework fragmentation, reuse existing Java skills, and move services from development to production more consistently. Its modular design lets teams begin with only the capabilities they need and expand as application requirements evolve.
Advance with Java while preserving existing investments
Helidon closely aligns with modern JDK releases, helping organizations adopt Java platform improvements without abandoning familiar skills, tools, or application investments. Teams can modernize services while limiting retraining and preserving continuity with their existing Java environments.
Start small. Add capabilities as needs evolve.
Helidon's modular design lets teams begin with a focused service and add capabilities as requirements evolve. A common framework for APIs, data access, security, observability, resilience, and AI can reduce framework fragmentation and simplify development and maintenance across a service portfolio.
- Add only the capabilities each service requires.
- Apply common development and operational patterns across services.
- Extend the same Java foundation as application needs evolve.
Technical evaluators can use the Periodic Table of Helidon to explore the modules and integrations available across the framework.
Straightforward Java for highly concurrent services
Helidon uses Java Virtual Threads to support highly concurrent services with straightforward Java code. Each request can run on a lightweight virtual thread, allowing developers to use a familiar thread-per-request model.
Teams can build, test, and maintain scalable services using familiar development practices rather than adopting a separate reactive programming model solely for concurrency.
One foundation for different application needs
Teams can use Helidon Core for focused, lightweight services and choose the imperative or declarative programming model that best fits each application. Both models use the same runtime foundation for common application services.
Helidon MP extends that foundation with supported MicroProfile and Jakarta EE APIs for organizations that value enterprise Java skills, standards compliance, and application portability. This flexibility helps teams modernize different workloads while maintaining a consistent platform strategy.
Add AI without creating a separate application stack
Helidon helps Java teams connect applications to AI models, enterprise data, and tools using familiar Java and cloud native development practices.
Organizations can add retrieval and agent-oriented capabilities to focused services while reusing existing skills, architecture, and operational processes. Developer integrations include LangChain4j and support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
AI-ready applications: Compose intelligent systems from simple Java building blocks
Helidon helps Java teams build AI applications as microservices while continuing to use familiar Java skills, tools, and cloud native application patterns.
Integrations with LangChain4j, model providers, embedding stores, and Helidon MCP capabilities allow teams to build retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications, connect Java services to enterprise data and tools, and support agent-oriented workflows. These capabilities can be added to focused microservices rather than requiring teams to adopt a separate application platform.
Helidon also includes MCP client and server support. Built on Helidon’s virtual thread foundation, Helidon-based MCP servers can scale while retaining a straightforward Java development model.
Support each workload across cloud and on-premises environments
Helidon supports containerized and Kubernetes deployments across public cloud, on-premises, hybrid, and edge environments. This gives organizations a consistent Java application foundation while allowing each workload to modernize and move at the appropriate pace.
Built-in support for health checks, observability, security, and fault tolerance helps teams apply consistent operational practices as services move into production.
Build openly. Plan and operate with greater confidence.
Helidon is an open source Java framework, giving teams access to the framework, source code, documentation, community channels, and public project resources. For organizations that need enterprise support, Oracle Support for Helidon is available with eligible Oracle commercial offerings, including Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) services that permit direct operating system access, Oracle WebLogic Server, and Oracle Coherence.
As part of Java Verified Portfolio, included with Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription, Helidon helps organizations align open source adoption with enterprise support planning and broader Java modernization initiatives.
Helidon resources
- Helidon introduction - Get an overview of the framework, programming models, and core capabilities.
- - Watch presentations on Virtual Threads, AI, architecture, and production use cases.
- Helidon blog - Read product announcements, engineering articles, examples, and release information.
- Deploy microservices with a converged database and Helidon - Explore an Oracle solution for Helidon and enterprise data.