Java Through the Versions: A Practical Guide for Modern Developers
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- Spaghetti Code Jungle
- @spagcodejungle
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:
Major Java Versions & Key Features
Java 8 (2014)
- Lambda Expressions
- Streams API
- Default Methods
- java.time (new Date/Time API)
Java 9 (2017)
- Modular System (Project Jigsaw)
- JShell (REPL for Java)
Java 10–12 (2018–2019)
- Local Variable Type Inference (
var) - Switch expressions (preview)
- Flight Recorder and JFR Event Streaming
Java 13–14
- Text Blocks (multi-line strings)
- Enhanced
switch(standardized)
Java 15–17
- Sealed Classes
- 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.