Java has evolved significantly from Java 8 to Java 25. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the major changes.

Java 8 (2014)

Lambda Expressions

List<String> names = Arrays.asList("Java", "Python");
names.forEach(name -> System.out.println(name));

Streams API

List<String> filtered = names.stream()
    .filter(name -> name.startsWith("J"))
    .collect(Collectors.toList());

Optional

Optional<String> name = Optional.of("Java");
name.ifPresent(System.out::println);

Java 9 (2017)

Modules

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

Private Methods in Interfaces

interface MyInterface {
    default void method() {
        helper();
    }
    
    private void helper() {
        // Private method
    }
}

Java 11 (2018)

String Methods

String text = "  Java  ";
text.strip(); // "Java"
text.repeat(3); // "  Java    Java    Java  "

HTTP Client

HttpClient client = HttpClient.newHttpClient();
HttpRequest request = HttpRequest.newBuilder()
    .uri(URI.create("https://api.example.com"))
    .build();

Java 17 (2021)

Sealed Classes

public sealed class Shape
    permits Circle, Rectangle {
}

public final class Circle extends Shape {
}

Pattern Matching

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

Java 21 (2023)

Virtual Threads

Thread.ofVirtual().start(() -> {
    // Lightweight thread
});

Pattern Matching for Switch

String result = switch (value) {
    case Integer i -> "Integer: " + i;
    case String s -> "String: " + s;
    default -> "Unknown";
};

Java 25 (2025)

Latest Features

  • Enhanced pattern matching
  • Improved performance
  • Better memory management
  • New API additions

Migration Guide

  1. Update dependencies
  2. Test thoroughly
  3. Use new features gradually
  4. Monitor performance
  5. Update tooling

Conclusion

Java continues to evolve with:

  • Modern language features
  • Performance improvements
  • Better developer experience
  • Enhanced security

Stay updated with Java evolution! ☕