Special Edition: Java 21

In this special edition of our LinkedIn newsletter, we're diving deep into Java 21! This release, marked as the Reference Implementation of version 21 of the Java SE Platform, brings many exciting features and enhancements for Java developers. Let's explore the three hottest topics in this release: Improvements of records, Sequence Collection, and Virtual Threads.

Feature Highlights

Java 21, released on 19 September 2023, brings several new features and improvements, as specified by JSR 396.

1. Improvements in Records

In Java 21, data-oriented programming takes center stage by introducing two significant Java Enhancement Proposals (JEPs): JEP 440 and JEP 441. These enhancements empower developers to work with data more efficiently, enhancing code clarity, safety, and maintainability. It's a crucial step towards more elegant and efficient data-oriented programming, making your codebase more robust and easier to manage.

Read the full article: Java 21: Record and Pattern Matching - Master Data-Oriented Programming

2. Sequence Collection

Java 21 introduces the SequenceCollection interface, a game-changer for collections. It provides a well-defined encounter order, supports operations at both ends, and is reversible, giving developers a clear ordering to work with. This interface inherits methods from the Collection interface, ensuring that operations respect the encounter order. It's a significant addition for anyone dealing with ordered collections.

Read the full article: Java 21: Sequence Collection

3. Virtual Threads

Virtual threads in Java 21 represent a groundbreaking evolution in the threading model. They are designed to address the challenges of writing, maintaining, and optimizing high-throughput concurrent applications. Unlike traditional platform threads, virtual threads do not monopolize OS threads, allowing multiple virtual threads to share the same OS thread efficiently. This change significantly improves resource utilization and performance in highly concurrent applications.

Read the full article: Java 21: Unlocking Performance - Exploring Virtual Threads