Java 22: Introducing Computed Constants and Class-File API Enhancements, alongside Previewed Features like Structured Concurrency and String Templates
Java Development Kit (JDK) 21 was officially released on September 19, 2023, and anticipation now turns to JDK 22, scheduled for March 19, 2024. This upcoming release is expected to introduce several new capabilities, building on the foundations laid in JDK 21.
Structured concurrency, initially previewed in JDK 21 for more efficient concurrent programming, is likely to be fully integrated into JDK 22. Additionally, features like the Shenandoah garbage collector, which promises low-pause time, might also find their place in this release cycle, having been postponed from JDK 21.
Among the anticipated additions, JDK 22 could feature a preview of the class-file API. This standardized API aims to simplify the parsing, generation, and transformation of Java class files, enhancing developer tooling and bytecode manipulation capabilities.
Another notable preview expected in JDK 22 is computed constants. These immutable value holders, initialized at most once, provide efficient and predictable initialization behavior, contributing to improved code clarity and performance optimizations.
Furthermore, enhancements in value object storage are anticipated, enabling more aggressive inlining of value objects within field and array components. This enhancement leverages non-atomic and null-restricted storage to optimize memory usage and execution efficiency in Java applications.
Early-access builds of JDK 22 are already available on jdk.java.net, allowing developers to explore and provide feedback on these upcoming features. As Oracle prepares JDK 22 for release, the Java community eagerly awaits these advancements, which promise to further elevate Java’s capabilities in performance, concurrency, and developer productivity.
Java Development Kit (JDK) 21 officially arrived September 19, 2023. Next up is JDK 22, or Java 22, due March 19, 2024. A range of capabilities from structured concurrency to computed constants and a class-file API could make it into this future release.