Key Changes in Java Development Practices: From Java 8 to Java 17

Java has long been a cornerstone of enterprise development, and the evolution from Java 8 to Java 17 marks a significant leap in features, performance, and best practices. With major updates to the language, libraries, and frameworks, understanding these changes is crucial for developers aiming to harness the full potential of modern Java. In this article, we will explore the most significant changes that developers should be aware of, emphasizing language enhancements, API updates, performance improvements, and more.

Introduction

Java 8, released in March 2014, introduced several groundbreaking features, including the Stream API, Lambda expressions, and the java.time package. These innovations drastically changed how developers approached coding in Java. Fast forward to September 2021, when Java 17 was released as a Long-Term Support (LTS) version, the advancements have been remarkable. Java 17 brought an array of new features that not only enhance developer productivity but also improve application performance and maintainability.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the most significant changes between Java 8 and Java 17, ensuring that you are well-equipped to leverage these advancements in your development practices.

1. New Language Features

Local-Variable Type Inference (Java 10)

One of the most talked-about changes is local-variable type inference introduced in Java 10. The var keyword allows developers to declare local variables without explicitly specifying their types. This reduces boilerplate code and improves readability.

Example:

var list = new ArrayList<String>();

In this example, the type of list is inferred as ArrayList<String>. This feature is especially useful when dealing with complex generic types.

Text Blocks (Java 13)

Java 13 introduced text blocks, a new way to declare multi-line string literals. Text blocks enhance readability, especially when dealing with JSON, SQL queries, or HTML content.

Example:

String json = """
{
    "name": "John",
    "age": 30
}
""";

Text blocks eliminate the need for escape sequences and line concatenation, making code cleaner and easier to maintain.

Pattern Matching for instanceof (Java 16)

With Java 16, pattern matching for instanceof simplifies type checking and casting. Instead of having to perform a cast after checking an object’s type, you can do it in one step.

Example:

if (obj instanceof String str) {
    System.out.println(str.length());
}

This feature reduces boilerplate code and enhances readability, allowing for clearer intentions in code.

2. APIs and Libraries

New APIs

Java 9 introduced the HttpClient API for making HTTP requests. This API supports both synchronous and asynchronous requests and is more flexible than the older HttpURLConnection.

Example:

HttpClient client = HttpClient.newHttpClient();
HttpRequest request = HttpRequest.newBuilder()
    .uri(URI.create("https://api.example.com"))
    .build();
HttpResponse<String> response = client.send(request, HttpResponse.BodyHandlers.ofString());

The HttpClient API makes it easier to work with web services, enhancing developer productivity.

Stream API Enhancements

The Stream API, introduced in Java 8, has received various enhancements in subsequent versions. Java 9 added the takeWhile and dropWhile methods, allowing developers to work with data streams more efficiently.

Example:

List<Integer> numbers = List.of(1, 2, 3, 4, 5);
List<Integer> takeWhile = numbers.stream()
    .takeWhile(n -> n < 4)
    .collect(Collectors.toList());

These enhancements provide more expressive capabilities for data processing, making it easier to write concise and clear code.

3. Performance Improvements

Garbage Collection Enhancements

Garbage collection has seen significant improvements from Java 8 to Java 17. Java 9 made the G1 garbage collector the default, which offers better performance for applications with large heaps.

Java 11 introduced the Z Garbage Collector (ZGC), which is designed for low-latency applications. It can handle heaps ranging from a few megabytes to several terabytes.

JIT Compiler Improvements

The Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler has also seen enhancements in newer versions. These improvements optimize the execution of code at runtime, contributing to better overall performance.

4. Modules System (Java 9)

Java 9 introduced the Java Platform Module System (JPMS), allowing developers to create modular applications. This modularization provides better encapsulation, making it easier to manage dependencies and improve code organization.

Benefits of JPMS

• Encapsulation: Modules can explicitly declare which packages are accessible to other modules.
• Dependency Management: Modules help manage dependencies more efficiently, leading to fewer conflicts and easier maintenance.

Example:

module com.example.myapp {
    requires java.base;
    exports com.example.myapp.api;
}

This modular approach leads to more maintainable and scalable applications.

5. Deprecations and Removals

As Java evolves, older APIs and features are sometimes deprecated or removed. For instance, the Applet API has been deprecated, reflecting the shift away from client-side applets in favor of modern web technologies.

Impact on Development

Developers should review their codebases for deprecated features and update them to use modern alternatives. This practice helps ensure that applications remain up-to-date and secure.

6. Sealed Classes (Java 17)

Java 17 introduced sealed classes, allowing developers to define a restricted class hierarchy. Sealed classes enable greater control over which classes can extend or implement them, leading to more predictable and maintainable code.

Example:

public sealed class Shape permits Circle, Rectangle { }

public final class Circle extends Shape { }
public final class Rectangle extends Shape { }

Sealed classes enhance type safety and facilitate better code organization.

7. Records (Java 16)

Records, introduced in Java 16, provide a concise way to create data-carrying classes. They automatically generate boilerplate code, such as constructors, accessors, and equals/hashCode methods.

Example:

public record Person(String name, int age) { }

With records, developers can focus on the data structure itself rather than writing boilerplate code, resulting in cleaner and more maintainable classes.

8. Improved Switch Expressions (Java 12 and 14)

The switch statement has been enhanced to allow for expression-based syntax, making it more powerful and flexible. Switch expressions can return a value and can be used in a more concise manner.

Example:

String dayType = switch (day) {
    case MONDAY, FRIDAY, SUNDAY -> "Working Day";
    case SATURDAY -> "Weekend";
    default -> throw new IllegalArgumentException("Invalid day: " + day);
};

This new syntax increases clarity and reduces the likelihood of errors.

9. Project Loom and Project Panama (Future)

While not fully implemented in Java 17, Project Loom and Project Panama are worth noting for their potential impact on future Java development.

Project Loom

Project Loom aims to simplify concurrent programming in Java by introducing lightweight, user-mode threads called fibers. This change could drastically improve how developers handle concurrency, making it easier to write scalable applications.

Project Panama

Project Panama aims to improve the connection between Java and native code, facilitating easier integration with C and C++ libraries. This enhancement will allow Java developers to leverage existing native libraries without the overhead of JNI.

10. Long-Term Support (LTS)

Java 11 and Java 17 are both Long-Term Support releases, meaning they will receive extended support and updates from Oracle. This makes them preferable choices for enterprises looking to maintain stable and secure applications.

Benefits of LTS

• Stability: LTS versions are designed for long-term use, providing stability and support over time.
• Security: Regular updates ensure that applications remain secure against vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The evolution from Java 8 to Java 17 has introduced a plethora of features and enhancements that fundamentally change how developers write and manage Java code. From new language features to improved APIs and performance enhancements, these changes are designed to make development more efficient and enjoyable.

Embracing these advancements is essential for modern Java development, ensuring that you are not only keeping up with the latest trends but also leveraging the best tools available to create high-quality applications.