Experiment with Java 24+ for SlateDB integration

[em3s]

Background

• slatedb-c bindings have been merged (Move C bindings to slatedb-c slatedb/slatedb#1241)
• Java 24+ FFI opens the possibility for slatedb-java bindings (Add SlateDB Java Client Implementation slatedb/slatedb#894)
• Current docker standalone runs in-memory → exploring slatedb as experimental replacement

Current State

Component	Version
Spring Boot	3.5.3
Spring Cloud	2025.0.0
Java (server)	17
Java (core)	8
Kotlin	1.9.0

Task

• Verify Spring Boot compatibility with Java 24+ (upgrade if needed)
• Attempt Java 24+ build and identify issues
• Ensure existing tests pass
• Track slatedb Java support progress (Move C bindings to slatedb-c slatedb/slatedb#1241)
• Experimental slatedb integration for docker standalone

Done When

• Java 24+ build and runtime successful
• Existing functionality works (including tests)
• Experimental slatedb integration for docker standalone complete

Notes

• Related: What should we prioritize next: HBase + Kafka docs or SlateDB + S2 backend? #144
• Experimental purpose, not for production

[criccomini]

I have a PR up at slatedb/slatedb#1253

[em3s]

@criccomini

Thanks for reaching out here! I've commented at slatedb/slatedb#1253 (comment)