Good news for those still waiting to switch to JDK 7 – Oracle has postponed the planned end of life for Java 6, meaning it gets a bit longer before getting culled.

The plan originally was to end JDK and Java SE 6 in July 2012, but now the dated version gets until November 2012, to allow more time for those to make the transition over to JDK 7. Oracle has updated the Java SE Roadmap accordingly to reflect the change.

Java 6 is already 5 years old and it’s time to put it on the shelf. But with so many exciting things happening this year in the preparations for Java 8, allowing more time to ensure everyone moves to JDK 7 is a good move.

Oracle has also updated the EOL policy to clarify their structuring for future major releases. EOL for public support and fixes for Java SE will typically occur no earlier than:

Three years after the GA of a major release

One year after the GA of a subsequent major release

Six months after a subsequent major release has been established as the default JRE

For those who require longer support, Oracle offers Java SE support.