Java Through the Versions: A Practical Guide for Modern Developers

Java has been evolving for over two decades—and with every version comes something new, exciting, or just plain helpful. Whether you're new to Java or brushing up, here's a bird’s-eye view of major versions and the features that defined them. I will be focusing on openjdk's implementation of java, starting from Java 8, as that is when major changes were implemented to the language.

What is Openjdk?

OpenJDK (short for Open Java Development Kit) is the free and open-source, implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE).

Why Java Versioning Matters

• Stay updated = stay secure
• New features = less boilerplate, more power
• Legacy code = know what you're maintaining

Minimal Java Versions & Fetaures App

I have created a timeline tool, which I am using as a reference to create this series of java versions & features. Please take a look:

Blog Post about the App

View the App

Major Java Versions & Key Features

Java 8 (2014)

• Lambda Expressions
• Streams API
• Functional Interfaces
• Optionals

Java 9 (2017)

• Modular System (Project Jigsaw)
• JShell (REPL for Java)

Java 10, 11 & 12 (2018–2019)

• Local Variable Type Inference (var)
• Garbage Collector
• New String Methods
• Teeing Collectors

Java 13–14

• Dynamic CDS Archives
• Enhanced switch (standardized)

Java 15–17

• Text Blocks
• Records
• Pattern Matching (instanceof)
• Java 17 = LTS (Long-Term Support)

Java 18–21

• Simple Web Server
• Virtual Threads (Project Loom - Java 21)
• String Templates (preview)

Java 22-24

• Foreign Function & Memory API
• Markdown Documentation Comments
• Stream Gatherers

What’s Next for You?

In future posts, we'll go deeper into each version, and take a look at some of the features which i think are an interesting addition to the Java Language.