The Java programming language was born nearly 30 years ago. During the years it changed and evolved. During the past decade many new capabilities were added. Most of the developers still avoid using them. It is about time to catch up.
The Main Capabilities That Were Added to Java in The Last Decade
The main capabilities that were added to the Java programming language since the introduction of Java 8 on March 14th, 2014 and till Java 24, include the following.
Interface Default Methods
The ability to include in our interface a definition of non-abstract methods, also known as default methods, allows us to use interfaces as if they were traits.
Functional Interfaces
Functional interface is an interface that includes up to one abstract methods. There are cases in which there are more than one abstract methods and it will still be a functional interface. The understanding of functional interfaces is crucial for understanding the use of lambda expressions.
Lambda Expressions
The use of lambda expressions simplifies the use of higher-order functions. Knowing lambda expressions is crucial for every developer that want to adopt functional programming practices.
Java 8 Streams
As of Java 8, Java supports streams, which are equivalent to generators in other programming languages. The use of streams help us when working with big data.
Streams Gatherer
The Streams Gatherer API allows us to create new operations we can use on our streams, in addition to those that the Streams API already supports.
The Date & Time API
The Date & Time API was added in Java 8. It overcomes many of the drawbacks of the old Date & Time API.
The Modules System
The Modules system was introduced in Java 9. The use of modules provides us with more possibilities when reusing code in our projects.
The HTTP Client
The well known Apache HttpClient has an improved version Java includes as of Java 11. This improved version provides us with most of the Apache HttpClient capabilities and beyond.
Local Variables Type Inference
We can use the var keyword to create a new local variable and let the compiler identify the type. Using the var keyword we can reduce complex boilerplate code using this new keyword.
Switch Expressions
Most likely that you are already familiar with switch statement. Unlike the switch statement, the switch expression is an expression. We can assign the value of the switch expression to a variable, pass it over as an argument to a function we call, and we can use it when working with pattern matching.
Record Classes
Similarly to data classes in Python, case classes in Scala, and data classes in Kotlin, when we define a record class in Java by adding the record keyword to the class definition, we get a class that automatically already includes the definition of various methods, such as equals and toString, and in addition, it includes a detailed constructor. The use of record classes is highly useful when it comes to pattern matching.
Sealed Classes
When we define a sealed class, we get a class with limitations regarding the classes that can extend it. Sealed classes are highly useful when creating switch expressions that use pattern matching. The possibility of defining a sealed class is not a new idea. Kotlin was the first to introduce this possibility.
Text Blocks
The possibility to define a text block that spans over multiple lines and include values of various variables and expressions is not new. This possibility is already supported in many programming languages, such as JavaScript, Python, Scala, Kotlin and PHP.
Pattern Matching
Many will describe pattern matching as switch case on steroids. The truth is that pattern matching is far beyond a simple switch case statement. Using pattern matching, we can write concise, simple, and maintained code. The support for pattern matching already exists in many other programming languages, such as Kotlin, Scala, and Python.
Virtual Threads
When developing a program that includes threads, each thread is mapped with a native thread the operating system maintains for us. As a result of this binding, the use of threads might become very expensive in terms of computing resources. When creating a virtual thread, we get a thread that is not bonded to a specific native thread. The virtual thread is executed using another thread, also known as the carrier thread. The carrier thread is the one that is binding to a native thread. This mechanism leads to a huge saving in computing resources.
The Xtreme Java Programming Couese
The Xtreme Java Programming course provides an excellent solution for every Java developer that is interested in catching up. You can either enroll the public course at https://lifemichael.com/courses/javax/en or you can, alternatively, have the course delivered in your company, either online or in person. You can find the syllabus of this course at https://tinyurl.com/lifemichaeljavax.
Professional One x One Premium Training
The fastest track to catch up with the newest technologies is to get one-on-one premium training that takes you through the fastest path possible for learning the technologies you want to catch up with. This service is especially suitable for top-notch, highly talented developers who want to stay on the edge, and their time is highly expensive. We would love to assist you in catching up with the newest Java technologies using one-on-one training.
We would love to help you catch up with the newest Java technologies. If you are not sure which path is the most suitable in your case please contact us. We would love to assist.
