Since its beginnings, Java, a flexible and popular programming language, has undergone a remarkable growth and change. Java has added new features and improvements with each major version release, changing the way programmers write code and create applications. In this article, we'll trip through the several Java iterations and examine their key characteristics, highlighting key turning points in the development of the language.
| Version | Release Date | Top Features |
|---|---|---|
| Java 1 | Jan 23, 1996 | Platform independence, basic object-oriented programming |
| Java 2 | Dec 8, 1998 | Improved libraries and APIs, Java Development Kit (JDK) |
| Java 5 | Sep 30, 2004 | Generics, enhanced for loop, annotations |
| Java 6 | Dec 11, 2006 | Scripting language support, enhanced JDBC |
| Java 7 | Jul 28, 2011 | Switch statement enhancements, try-with-resources |
| Java 8 | Mar 18, 2014 | Lambda expressions, Stream API, Default methods |
| Java 9 | Sep 21, 2017 | Module system, JShell, HTTP/2 support |
| Java 10 | Mar 20, 2018 | Local variable type inference |
| Java 11 | Sep 25, 2018 | HTTP Client API, Local variable syntax for lambda parameters |
| Java 12 | Mar 19, 2019 | Switch expressions, compact number formatting |
| Java 13 | Sep 17, 2019 | Text blocks, dynamic CDS, ZGC |
| Java 14 | Mar 17, 2020 | Pattern matching for instanceof, records |
| Java 15 | Sep 15, 2020 | Sealed classes, hidden classes, text blocks |
| Java 16 | Mar 16, 2021 | Records, pattern matching for instanceof |
| Java 17 | Sep 14, 2021 | Sealed classes, pattern matching for switch |
| Java 18 | Mar 22, 2022 | Vector API incubation, preview of pattern matching for switch expr. |
| Java 19 | Sep 20, 2022 | Structured concurrency, record patterns, preview of foreign API |
| Java 20 | Mar 21, 2023 | Virtual threads, vector API proposal, structured concurrency, more |
Conclusion:
Over time, Java has seen tremendous change as it adapted to the shifting demands of developers and the market. Every significant Java update has added useful features and enhancements that allow programmers to create cleaner, more effective, more contemporary code. Keeping up with the most recent Java release ensures access to these developments, enabling developers to produce creative and reliable apps. We eagerly anticipate further releases of Java and the fascinating features they will bring.
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