Apache Software Foundation Unveils Apache Grails® 7.0.0 Release

Apache Grails 7.0.0: A Major Leap in Web Application Frameworks

As of October 28, 2025, the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) has unveiled Apache Grails 7.0.0, marking a significant advancement in the realm of open-source software. This release is particularly noteworthy as it is the first major update since Grails was designated as an ASF Top-Level Project. Grails, a robust web application framework built on Apache Groovy, is designed for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It relies heavily on Spring Boot, which facilitates a streamlined environment for developing Java-based web applications and REST APIs.

The Evolution of Apache Grails

This new release, Apache Grails 7.0.0, integrates substantial dependency upgrades, ushering in Java 17+, Groovy 4, Spring Boot 3.5, Jakarta EE 10, and Spring Framework 6.2. These updates are complemented by a series of new features, such as containerized browser testing with Testcontainers, optional Micronaut integration, SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) generation, and reproducible builds and artifacts. Additionally, the update addresses numerous bugs related to persistence, documentation, and build processes, enhancing the overall reliability and functionality of the framework.

James Fredley, the Chair of the Apache Grails Project Management Committee (PMC), expressed his enthusiasm for this release, highlighting the collaborative efforts that spanned 18 months. He emphasized that Apache Grails 7.0.0 is designed to empower developers with more efficient full-stack workflows, improved security, and compliance, all while staying true to Grails’ foundational principles of DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) and convention-over-configuration.

Key Features of Apache Grails 7.0.0

1. Accelerated Web Application Development: Grails 7.0.0 is engineered to enhance the speed and productivity of web development. The framework comes equipped with all necessary components, allowing developers to build web applications more efficiently.
2. Smarter Defaults with Reduced Configuration: The "Convention over Configuration" strategy allows developers to write less repetitive code, focusing instead on the important aspects of application logic.
3. User-Friendly Learning Curve: Thanks to its foundation on Apache Groovy, Grails 7.0.0 is accessible to developers across varying skill levels, facilitating rapid productivity.
4. Enterprise-Grade Technologies: The underlying technologies of Grails 7.0.0, including Spring Boot 3.5, Spring Framework 6.2, Jakarta EE 10, and Hibernate, ensure stability and scalability for enterprise applications.
5. Expanded Plugin Ecosystem: New major versions of essential plugins, such as Grails Spring Security 7.0.0, Quartz 4.0.0, and Redis 5.0.0, enhance the framework’s security, scheduling, and caching capabilities.
6. Advanced Testing Enhancements: The update introduces containerized browser testing through Testcontainers, integrated via the Geb plugin. This addition allows consistent, cross-platform functional and integration testing without the need for manual browser management.
7. Mono-repo Approach: By consolidating all core Grails projects into a single Git repository, the framework speeds up development, testing, and releases, while also simplifying contributions.
8. Modernized Gradle Build System: The revamp of Gradle plugins, tasks, and logic enhances reproducibility, verification, and automation in CI/CD pipelines.
9. Improved Build Reliability and Consistency: Reproducible and verifiable builds ensure that what developers build is what gets deployed, enhancing trust in the deployment process.
10. Built-in Security and Transparency Features: The inclusion of a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) in all published binaries enhances transparency and compliance with modern software supply chain standards.

    Understanding the Apache Software Foundation

    The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) is a global leader in the open-source software community. Since its establishment in 1999, the ASF has been at the forefront of open-source innovation, setting industry standards to advance software for public benefit. Some of the ASF’s most prominent projects include Apache Airflow, Apache Camel, Apache Cassandra, Apache Groovy, Apache HTTP Server, and Apache Kafka. These projects power a wide array of applications that are integral to modern computing.

    The ASF also hosts an annual event, Community Over Code, where open-source technologists gather to share best practices, use cases, and forge critical relationships. This event is pivotal for those interested in the latest advancements and trends in open-source technology.

    For more information about the Apache Software Foundation and its projects, you can visit the official website at https://apache.org.

    Conclusion

    The release of Apache Grails 7.0.0 represents a major step forward for developers seeking a robust, efficient, and modern web application framework. With significant upgrades and a host of new features, Grails 7.0.0 is set to continue its legacy as a powerful tool for building web applications. This update not only enhances the framework’s capabilities but also aligns with the evolving needs of the developer community, ensuring that Grails remains a top choice for web development projects. For those interested in exploring the possibilities with Apache Grails 7.0.0, further details and resources can be found on the official Grails website.

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