Better. Stronger. Faster. – Introducing Apache Fineract 1.6.0 version

What was the motivation behind the development of V1.6.0?

 The main drive to get version 1.6.0 up and running was the need to reduce development and build time. The 1.6.0 also includes enhancements that replace hard coded values with Ad Hoc configurations, improve performance and enable compliance with the latest Java version and libraries. Compared with previous versions, V1.6.0 offers a more stable, robust, efficient platform for ramping up your business.

 Bye-bye, long compilations!

 Say goodbye to time wasted waiting for long compilations and say hello to development optimization.  The 1.6.0 includes a set of improvements to make development work more efficient. When using the 1.6.0, you will notice dramatic speed improvements in general builds, now taking around one minute instead of over 10 minutes as with the 1.5.0.

The code environment variables were standardized, leading to easier code comprehension, reduced learning curves and change times, thus freeing up time for developers to focus on more important features.

The Type safe feature was leveraged to move away from multiples files and enable configuration in a single file containing everything, in accordance with Java Spring Configuration. Code versioning was automated as well with the application unified in GIT and using a Gradle plugin.

 Can you say Secure Sockets Layer three times in a row?

 Just kidding. You don’t need to say it, just enjoy it with the 1.6.0. Fineract’s V1.6.0 continues to be driven by the need to uphold Fineract’s high security standards by implementing Secure Sockets Layer configuration through environment variables. The development team can change the authentication method by replacing variables to use basic or Oauth either with or without Two Factor Authentication. The hard-coded connection values have now also been set up as variables as well. And the Pentaho reporting tool has also been improved so that it is now easier and faster to deploy a new report or change an existing report.

The V1.6.0 is all about runtime optimization. In this updated version, Fineract implemented the high-performance, faster Tomcat connector which decreases server response time and load.  The version is compatible with and supported by MariaDB 10.6 providing a more robust and reliable database compared with MySQL, supporting faster performance.

Don’t let it go stale.

Using stale or end of life libraries creates a plethora of security, compliance, and operational risks. Don’t let your libraries go stale. The 1.6.0 contains updated libraries that are guaranteed to cover stability, performance, and any support needed, while preventing security breaches and maintaining compliance with regulators such as central banks as well as independent auditors. Fineract’s latest version includes the most updated JDK support using the JDK 17, as well as the most updated Fineract dependencies:

• Spring Boot 2.6.3
• Spring Framework 5.3.16
• Latest Spring Security OAuth 2.x to Spring Security 5.2.x
• Jersey 2.30.x: 
• Drizzle driver replaced by MariaDB’s JDBC driver (LGPL licensed); 

We will Fiter It Out together

At Fiter, we have the expertise and knowhow to provide your company with customized solutions to improve business performance. Our mission to facilitate and accelerate the transition of financial organizations to open-source solutions, combined with our experience and expertise, will support your company through the entire transition. Please reach out to any of our representatives to attain more information on how Fiter can assist you in growing your business and how to successfully implement Fineract V1.6.0 in your organization. 

Authors: Franco Russo, Daniel Stancampiano, Robin Perdomo, Javier Borkenztain

Special thanks to Aleksander Vidacovic for his initial inputs.