• BarExporter: Added setInlineSVG() method to generate SVG output suitable for embedding in HTML5 (omits XML declaration and xmlns attribute).

• BarExporter: Replaced Area with ArrayList<Shape> for storage of Shape instances, significantly improving performance especially in headless Java environments.

• BarExporter: BMP and PNG now stored as grayscale when possible (which is mostly the case as barcodes are usually black/white), reducing file size by ~67% for BMP and ~40% for PNG.

• GS1Validator: Improved error message for Application Identifiers 00 to 02 to clearly state expected length.

• Added a defensive check for TIFF ImageWriter availability, and implemented proper resource cleanup for the ImageOutputStream along with explicit ImageWriter disposal.

• Zero dependencies: Library is now completely self-contained with no external dependencies
• PDF generation: Creates PDFs independently - OpenPDF is no longer required
• EPS/PDF output: Reduced file sizes by ~13% using native rectangle commands instead of rectangular paths
• Enum "BarcodeType": Added six "supports...()" methods to query barcode type properties
• Enum "ImageTransform": Added "getRotationDegrees()" method to retrieve the rotation angle in degrees

This major release contains significant breaking changes. Code written for v2.x will require updates.

• Comprehensive migration from primitive types to enums
• Enhanced parameter validation in constructors and methods
• Classes removed or renamed throughout the packages
• Javadoc documentation thoroughly reworked and updated
• Minimum Java version increased from Java 9 to Java 11
• OpenPDF compatibility: Added support for version 3.0.0+
  (limited in pom.xml to 1.3.0-1.4.x due to Java 11 compatibility)

First release on GitHub and Maven Central.

The library was previously distributed exclusively via https://www.vw-software.com/java-barcode-library/ and is now available through standard channels for easier integration.