Java has long been the cornerstone of enterprise software development, and with the release of Java 17, it continues its evolution into a robust, performance-optimized platform suitable for modern development needs. As a Long-Term Support (LTS) release, Java 17 offers developers and organizations long-term stability, enhanced features, and an improved developer experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes Java 17 noteworthy, including its key features, performance improvements, compatibility considerations, and how to install it using the latest Java Development Kit (JDK) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
Why Upgrade to Java 17?
Every few years, Oracle delivers a long-term supported version of Java. Java 17 is the successor to Java 11 (the previous LTS version) and offers eight years of commercial support. This makes it a preferred choice for enterprises looking for a reliable foundation for their applications.
Java 17 isn’t just about long-term support—it also introduces new language features, improved memory management, and a cleaner, more modular runtime. Whether you’re building REST APIs, microservices, or desktop applications, the latest release gives you access to all Java’s modern tools and features.
Key Features of Java 17
Let’s take a look at the most important enhancements that came with this release:
Sealed Classes
This new feature lets you restrict which classes or interfaces can extend or implement another class. It enhances code readability and enforces design intent.
public sealed class Shape permits Circle, Square, Rectangle {}Pattern Matching for Switch (Preview)
Improves type safety and simplifies switch statements by allowing patterns and type inference directly in the switch block.
Foreign Function and Memory API (Incubator)
This provides a standard API to call native code and manage memory outside the JVM, replacing the cumbersome Java Native Interface (JNI).
Deprecations and Removals
Several legacy features have been removed or deprecated, including the Applet API and the Security Manager. These changes promote a cleaner, more secure platform.
JEP Enhancements
Some notable Java Enhancement Proposals (JEPs) included in this version:
- JEP 409: Sealed Classes
- JEP 406: Pattern Matching for Switch
- JEP 403: Strong Encapsulation of JDK Internals
Java JDK and Java Runtime Environment
To run or develop Java applications with the latest version, you need the appropriate components:
Java Development Kit (JDK)
The JDK contains everything required for Java development—a compiler, debugger, and other essential tools. It is necessary for developers to write and compile Java programs. Read More
Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
The JRE includes the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and libraries needed to run Java applications. Although Oracle no longer provides a standalone JRE for Java 17, you can still run Java programs using the full JDK or use third-party runtimes. Read More
Java Development Kit Download Guide
To start working with the latest version, you need to download and install the JDK. Several providers offer distributions of Java 17:
Official Sources
Installation Steps
- Visit one of the links above.
- Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Download the appropriate installer or archive file.
- Install or extract the files.
- Set environment variables:
export JAVA_HOME=/path/to/jdk-17 and export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH - Verify the installation:
java -version
You should see output indicating you’re running version 17.
Compatibility and Migration
Java 17 maintains backward compatibility with most earlier versions. However, there are some changes you need to be aware of if you’re migrating from older Java versions like 8 or 11:
Deprecated APIs
Some older APIs have been deprecated or removed, which may require minor code updates.
Module System
Introduced in Java 9, the module system is fully supported and strongly recommended in Java 17. For modular applications, this enhances encapsulation and security.
Build Tools Support
Popular tools and frameworks already support Java 17:
- Maven: Use
maven.compiler.sourceandtargetset to17 - Gradle: Use Java toolchains to specify the language version
Java 17 and Modern Development
Adopting the latest version brings several benefits beyond syntax improvements:
- Performance Gains: Thanks to JVM enhancements and garbage collection optimizations.
- Security Improvements: With outdated APIs removed and internal packages encapsulated.
- Developer Productivity: New syntax features make code more expressive and concise.
Modern frameworks like Spring Boot 3, Micronaut, and Quarkus are built with Java 17 in mind, leveraging its features for better performance and reduced memory overhead.
Common Use Cases
Java 17 is ideal for:
- Enterprise Applications
- Cloud-Native Development
- Data Processing Pipelines
- Android Backends
- Cross-Platform Desktop Applications
How to Stay Updated
Java now follows a predictable release schedule with updates every six months. While only LTS versions like Java 17 receive long-term support, developers should stay informed about upcoming features and improvements.
Resources to follow:
Final Thoughts
Java 17 represents a stable, modern, and powerful platform for developers and enterprises. Its improved performance, simplified syntax, and long-term support make it an excellent choice for new projects and migration efforts.
Whether you’re a seasoned Java developer or just getting started, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the modern features offered in this LTS release.
If you’re ready to start, visit theofficial Java download pageand install your platform’s latestJava Development Kit.
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