The Java 21 release, which includes changes to both the language and the virtual machine specification, includes a number of features that differentiate Java 21 from many previous versions. Just as Java 5 transformed Java development with the introduction of Generics and Java 8 with the introduction of Lambdas, the Java community expects the 21st version to have a significant and positive impact on the ecosystem. Java and Microsoft are looking forward to be part of this era of modern Java development.
Java 21 has arrived just as autumn begins in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring developers like Josh Long are therefore very happy about Spring Boot 3.2’s support for Java 21 features. Many other frameworks and libraries will soon release their JDK 21 compatible versions.
Here are some of the exciting Java 21 features, both in terms of API, language features and HotSpot JVM features provided by the OpenJDK reference implementation:
Simplified Java learning for beginners : With the preview of unnamed classes and instance main methods, the way for beginners to start their journey in Java becomes easier. This change paves the way for a seamless transition from basic Java programming to advanced Java programming, ensuring learners have an advanced and intuitive experience. This opens up opportunities to integrate simplified coding experiences with serverless functions into services like Azure Functions.Increase flexibility with templates and variables : Preview of unnamed models and variables introduced. These patterns and variables, marked with an underscore _, improve Java’s matching and initialization capabilities.Improving application performance with Generational ZGC : The Generational ZGC improvement focuses on optimizing performance, reducing the risk of allocation deadlock, reducing heap memory overhead, and reducing CPU overhead. Garbage. And all of this without compromising throughput.Deconstructing dataset values with dataset templates : After refinement in JDK 19 and 20, JDK 21’s registration patterns provide a richer, more expressive mechanism for data navigation and processing, evolving along with pattern matching for expressions and switching statements.Improved data queries with pattern matching for Switch : This feature, final in JDK 21, extends the capabilities of expressions and switch statements, resulting in a safer, more expressive, and more precise data-oriented query mechanism.Unveiling the power of virtual threads : Finalized with JDK 21, virtual threads redefine high-speed concurrent applications. This feature provides almost seamless integration with the lang.Thread API and ensures optimal scalability. It is poised to revolutionize concurrent programming.Sequence collections – closing gaps : With the introduction of sequence collections, JDK 21 closes the gaps in Java’s collections framework and provides a more unified and streamlined approach to collection management.Redefine strings with string templates : Previewing string models creates synergies between the literal text and the performed calculations. The goal of this feature is to improve readability, security, flexibility, and simplicity, especially when working with strings derived from languages other than Java.Additionally, Microsoft would like to highlight the new version 0.2.9 of the Semantic Kernel for Java. Announced in July, this library will strengthen Java applications and serve as a valuable tool for developers to enhance the capabilities of new and existing applications with increased intelligence through the simple and idiomatic integration of LLMs and AI. Join us as we embark on this new chapter in Java development, where innovation meets functionality and we are committed to ensuring that Java remains a great choice for developers around the world. And if you can see us next week at Devoxx Belgium 2023, check out our article “Pioning the Future of Java with Intelligent Apps.”
Happy Java coding!
Source: Microsoft
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See also:
The OpenJDK formulates a proposal aimed at making Java easier for beginners to learn through a feature of JDK 21 that is currently disabled by default
JDK 21: The First Release Candidate is available. The final version is announced for September 19, 2023
Spring Framework 6.1 has been released with improved compatibility with Virtual Threads and JDK 21
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