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
- Update dependencies
- Test thoroughly
- Use new features gradually
- Monitor performance
- Update tooling
Conclusion
Java continues to evolve with:
- Modern language features
- Performance improvements
- Better developer experience
- Enhanced security
Stay updated with Java evolution! ☕