For years, scripting has been the domain of Python, Bash, or JavaScript — but if you’re like me, you were never quite comfortable with any of them. You can’t remember the Bash syntax, struggle with Python’s dependency drama, or accidentally turn 5 + 3 into "53" in JavaScript.

Luckily, modern Java is quietly stepping into this space. With the latest features, Java is no longer just a verbose enterprise language — it can now be lightweight, interactive, and even script-friendly.

In this talk, we’ll explore how Java has evolved into a practical scripting language. We’ll discover how the latest features — like shebang support, compact source files, and instance main methods — pair perfectly with records and text blocks to enable real-world automation.

For more advanced scripts, we’ll dive into handling dependencies and solving common scripting challenges using JBang. Through live demos, you’ll learn how modern Java features allow you to quickly prototype, automate tasks, and write scripts that are both powerful and maintainable.

By the end of the session, you’ll see Java in a new light: not just for large applications, but as a modern, practical scripting language.