This is a time-based release, scheduled to come out about 1 year after jEdit 5.3, and is a collection of enhancements, bug fixes and patches submitted by the community. Detailed changes can be found in the Detailed Change Log.
Some notable new things in this version are:
Use of Java 1.8
Use of a new XML format for Plugin Manager, and proper following of redirects, resulting in a much improved plugin install experience.
New Printing code updated for current versions of Java
With continued support from the community, we will keep releasing a newer version each year that can accurately bring together the fruits of everyone's labor. Thank you to each and every one of the contributors who helped make 5.4 the best version of jEdit ever.