Java 17, the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) release, brings a host of new features, updates, and enhancements designed to improve performance, simplify code, and offer developers a more efficient programming experience. Released by Oracle, Java 17 follows the six-month feature release cadence, but as an LTS version, it will receive long-term support, making it a preferred choice for organizations aiming for stability. This blog explores Java 17’s standout features, practical benefits, and why it’s capturing the attention of developers worldwide.
Why Java 17 Matters: The Trending Appeal of LTS Releases
Java 17 is the first LTS release since Java 11, launched back in 2018. While intermediate Java versions (12 through 16) introduced new features, many companies preferred to stick with Java 8 or Java 11 for their stability and support. Java 17’s release marks a significant point, as it combines years of innovations with Oracle’s long-term support, which will last until at least 2029. This version gives organizations a stable platform with access to recent advancements, making it a compelling upgrade.
Key New Features in Java 17
1. Pattern Matching for switch (Preview)
Java 17 includes a preview of pattern matching for switch expressions. This feature streamlines code by allowing more expressive and powerful switch statements, capable of handling complex data patterns. Pattern matching for switch opens up the possibility of using switches beyond basic primitives, enhancing readability and reducing error-prone type casting.
switch (obj) {
case Integer i -> System.out.println("Integer: " + i);
case String s -> System.out.println("String: " + s);
default -> System.out.println("Unknown type");
}2. Sealed Classes
Sealed classes allow developers to control class inheritance more effectively. By specifying which classes are permitted to extend or implement a sealed class, Java 17 provides greater control over the code architecture. This feature enhances code security, clarity, and design intent, especially in large-scale applications.
public sealed class Shape
permits Circle, Rectangle, Square { /* ... */ }3. Enhanced Random Number Generators (JEP 356)
Java 17 introduces new interfaces and implementations for Random Number Generators, which provide better support for both stream-based and more statistically robust random generation. This update offers developers a consistent API to produce high-quality random numbers, useful for games, simulations, and testing environments.
4. New Foreign Function & Memory API (Incubator)
This API provides Java applications with a more efficient way to interact with native libraries and memory beyond the Java heap. It’s designed to replace the JNI (Java Native Interface) gradually, allowing for safer and more reliable interoperability between Java and native code. The Foreign Function & Memory API opens doors for Java in fields such as high-performance computing and system-level programming.
5. Removal of RMI Activation (JEP 407)
The Remote Method Invocation (RMI) activation mechanism has been removed in Java 17, as it was seldom used and added unnecessary complexity to the platform. This removal streamlines the language and reduces potential security vulnerabilities, moving Java towards a more lightweight and maintainable core.
6. macOS/AArch64 Port (JEP 391)
With Java 17, Oracle officially supports macOS on Apple’s ARM-based M1 chip. The macOS/AArch64 port provides improved performance for Java applications running on Apple silicon, ensuring they take full advantage of the hardware’s capabilities.
7. Improved Garbage Collection with ZGC & G1 Enhancements
Java 17 continues the refinement of garbage collectors, focusing on ZGC (Z Garbage Collector) and G1. These improvements aim to reduce memory footprint and pause times, particularly for large applications. The changes offer developers low-latency options for better app performance without frequent garbage collection disruptions.
8. Text Blocks and Helpful NullPointerExceptions
Although introduced in Java 14, text blocks (multiline string literals) and Helpful NullPointerExceptions receive enhanced support in Java 17. Text blocks improve readability for JSON, SQL, and HTML code, while Helpful NullPointerExceptions identify exactly which variable is null in an expression, greatly simplifying debugging.
Benefits of Upgrading to Java 17
Java 17 brings several advantages to developers and organizations looking to stay competitive:
- Long-Term Support: Java 17 will be supported with updates and security patches until 2029, making it a stable choice for long-term projects.
- Code Simplification: With sealed classes, pattern matching, and text blocks, Java 17 simplifies code and enhances readability, reducing developer overhead and errors.
- Performance Boost: The improved garbage collection, native ARM support for macOS, and enhanced random number generators ensure that Java 17 is faster and more efficient than its predecessors.
- Modern Development Practices: Java 17’s features align well with modern development needs, like improved memory management, better interoperation with native libraries, and enhanced support for complex data structures.
- Security and Stability: By removing outdated components like RMI Activation, Java 17 offers a more secure platform, helping developers avoid vulnerabilities associated with deprecated features.
Is Java 17 Right for You?
If you’re working with Java 8 or 11, upgrading to Java 17 is worth considering. As a Long-Term Support version, it ensures you’ll receive consistent updates without needing to upgrade frequently. The new features, especially sealed classes and pattern matching, allow for more sophisticated and readable code, ideal for complex or large-scale applications. Additionally, if you develop on macOS with M1 processors, Java 17 brings a significant performance improvement.
Conclusion
Java 17 marks a major step forward for the Java ecosystem, combining years of incremental improvements into a powerful, modern language. With this LTS release, developers can enjoy better performance, clearer code, and new tools to meet today’s software challenges. Java 17 represents the best of what Java has to offer, making it an exciting upgrade for both current Java developers and those looking to enter the ecosystem.