A Java Specification Request (JSR) is the request for a change to the specifications of the Java language, APS, JVM, and so on. Such changes are governed by the Java Community Process (JCP), where every member of the community can register and participate in the review.

This recipe is written as if you were submitting a JSR, but keep in mind that JSRs are not usually submitted by a single individual, but by a group of experts who come out with a proposal. The group has a Spec Lead who submits the JSR. So, this recipe is more about giving you a high-level understanding of the process, helping you to see how JSRs work, and what it is all about. To get some deeper insight, see the resources provided in the See also section.

In the following recipe, it can be seen that being a spec lead for JSR is not only a technical position, but it also involves doing lots of work with people and requires one to possess a good amount of soft and leadership skills. The leader has to push...