The Future of Programming: Exploring Oracle Java SE Innovations

Introduction to Oracle Java SE

In the ever-evolving landscape of programming languages, Oracle Java SE (Standard Edition) stands out as a beacon of innovation and reliability. With each new version, Oracle introduces enhancements that redefine how developers interact with the language and build applications. As we delve into the future of programming, it's crucial to explore the latest innovations in Oracle Java SE and their potential impact on the software development industry.

Key Innovations in Oracle Java SE

Enhanced Performance and Scalability

One of the most significant advancements in Oracle Java SE is the continuous improvement in performance and scalability. Java SE has always been known for its robustness, but recent updates have taken it a step further. The introduction of features like Z Garbage Collector (ZGC) and Shenandoah GC has drastically reduced pause times, making Java applications more responsive and scalable. These garbage collectors are designed to handle large heaps efficiently, which is essential for modern, high-performance applications.

Project Loom: Lightweight Concurrency

Concurrency has been a challenging aspect of programming, but Project Loom aims to simplify it. This initiative introduces lightweight, user-mode threads known as fibers. Fibers are more efficient than traditional threads, allowing developers to write concurrent applications with ease. By reducing the complexity of concurrency, Project Loom is set to revolutionize how we develop scalable and high-performance applications.

Project Panama: Foreign Function Interface

Project Panama is another groundbreaking innovation in Oracle Java SE. It aims to bridge the gap between Java and native code, enabling seamless interaction with libraries written in languages like C and C++. This Foreign Function Interface (FFI) simplifies the process of calling native functions from Java, enhancing performance and expanding the capabilities of Java applications. With Project Panama, developers can leverage existing native libraries without compromising on the benefits of Java.

Project Amber: Language Productivity

Project Amber focuses on enhancing developer productivity by introducing new language features. These features include pattern matching, records, and sealed classes. Pattern matching simplifies the handling of complex data structures, while records provide a concise way to declare data carrier classes. Sealed classes, on the other hand, restrict the inheritance hierarchy, ensuring better control and maintainability of code. Together, these features make Java a more expressive and powerful language.

Security Enhancements

Improved Cryptographic Algorithms

In an age where cybersecurity is paramount, Oracle Java SE continues to prioritize security enhancements. The latest versions include support for modern cryptographic algorithms, ensuring that Java applications remain secure against emerging threats. By incorporating algorithms like ChaCha20 and Poly1305, Oracle Java SE provides developers with robust tools to protect sensitive data.

Stronger Authentication Mechanisms

Authentication is a critical component of application security, and Oracle Java SE has introduced stronger mechanisms to safeguard user identities. Features like OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect are now seamlessly integrated, allowing developers to implement secure and scalable authentication systems. These enhancements not only protect user data but also simplify the process of implementing authentication in Java applications.

Tools and Frameworks

Java Development Kit (JDK) Improvements

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is the backbone of Java programming, and Oracle continues to enhance it with each release. The latest JDK versions come with improved tools for debugging, profiling, and monitoring Java applications. Tools like JDK Mission Control and Flight Recorder provide developers with detailed insights into the performance and behavior of their applications, enabling them to optimize code and resolve issues efficiently.

Integration with Modern Development Frameworks

Oracle Java SE’s compatibility with modern development frameworks has significantly improved. Frameworks like Spring Boot, Micronaut, and Quarkus are fully supported, allowing developers to build microservices and cloud-native applications with ease. These frameworks leverage the latest features of Java SE, enabling rapid development and deployment of scalable applications.

The Future of Oracle Java SE

Continued Evolution and Community Support

The future of Oracle Java SE looks promising, with a strong commitment to evolution and innovation. Oracle’s active engagement with the developer community ensures that Java remains relevant and up-to-date. Community-driven projects and open-source contributions play a crucial role in shaping the future of Java, making it a language that evolves with the needs of developers.

Adoption of Cutting-Edge Technologies

Oracle Java SE is poised to adopt cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. By integrating these technologies, Java will continue to be a versatile and powerful language for developing next-generation applications. The ability to handle complex computations and data processing tasks makes Java an ideal choice for emerging tech trends.

Conclusion

Oracle Java SE continues to be at the forefront of programming innovation. With enhancements in performance, scalability, concurrency, and security, Java remains a robust and reliable choice for developers. The introduction of projects like Loom, Panama, and Amber showcases Oracle’s commitment to making Java a more powerful and expressive language. As we look to the future, the continuous evolution of Oracle Java SE ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of the programming world.

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Java SE Spring 2024 Roadmap

As we navigate through the rapidly evolving landscape of software development, Java SE (Standard Edition) remains a cornerstone for developers worldwide. With the arrival of Spring 2024, it's crucial to stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and best practices. This comprehensive roadmap will guide you through the essential elements you need to focus on to stay ahead in the Java development arena.

Introduction to Java SE Spring 2024

Java SE is a platform-independent environment that allows developers to create robust, secure, and high-performance applications. As we approach Spring 2024, several updates and advancements are set to redefine how we utilize Java SE. This roadmap will cover the following key areas:

Core Language Enhancements

Enhanced Pattern Matching

One of the significant updates in Java SE for Spring 2024 is the enhanced pattern matching capabilities. This feature simplifies data retrieval and manipulation, making code more readable and maintainable. Pattern matching extends to switch expressions and introduces new patterns, reducing the boilerplate code and enhancing productivity.

Records and Sealed Classes

Records and sealed classes continue to gain traction. Records provide a compact syntax for declaring classes intended to be simple data carriers, while sealed classes restrict which classes can extend or implement them. This combination enhances the ability to model data and behaviors precisely.

Improved Null Handling with Optional

Optional is being improved to handle nullability more efficiently. New methods and best practices are being introduced to reduce the frequent pitfalls of null pointer exceptions. Learning these updates is crucial for writing robust Java applications.

Tooling and Development Environment

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

Leading IDEs such as IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and NetBeans are introducing new plugins and integrations to support the latest Java SE features. Keeping your development environment updated with these tools is vital for leveraging the full potential of Java SE.

Build Tools

Maven and Gradle remain the go-to build tools for Java projects. With Spring 2024, expect updates that improve build times, dependency management, and multi-project builds. Familiarizing yourself with these enhancements will streamline your development workflow.

Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

CI/CD pipelines are integral to modern software development. Tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, and GitHub Actions are evolving to better support Java projects. Incorporating these tools into your workflow will enhance code quality and accelerate delivery cycles.

Performance Improvements

JVM Enhancements

The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) sees continuous improvements. For Spring 2024, focus on the new garbage collection algorithms, JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler enhancements, and other performance tuning options. These updates are designed to boost application performance and reduce latency.

Profiling and Monitoring Tools

Effective performance monitoring is crucial. Tools like JVisualVM, YourKit, and JProfiler offer deep insights into JVM performance. Understanding how to utilize these tools to diagnose and optimize performance issues is essential for maintaining high-performing applications.

Security Updates

Enhanced Security APIs

Security remains a top priority. Java SE's security APIs are continuously updated to address new vulnerabilities and threats. For Spring 2024, pay attention to improvements in cryptographic libraries, secure communication protocols, and authentication mechanisms.

Best Practices for Secure Coding

Adopting secure coding practices is essential. This includes input validation, proper error handling, and avoiding common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Familiarize yourself with the latest guidelines and tools to ensure your code remains secure.

Best Practices and Patterns

Microservices Architecture

Microservices continue to dominate the architectural landscape. Understanding how to effectively design, deploy, and manage microservices using Java is crucial. Spring Boot and Spring Cloud offer robust frameworks for building scalable microservices.

Reactive Programming

Reactive programming is becoming increasingly popular for building responsive and resilient applications. The Spring Framework's reactive stack, including Project Reactor, provides the tools needed to implement reactive systems efficiently.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Automated testing is a cornerstone of modern software development. Tools like JUnit 5, Mockito, and TestContainers are essential for writing comprehensive test suites. Emphasize unit testing, integration testing, and continuous testing practices to maintain high code quality.

Community and Ecosystem

Active Participation in the Java Community

Staying engaged with the Java community is beneficial. Participating in forums, attending conferences like JavaOne, and contributing to open-source projects can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Learning Resources

Continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Utilize resources like official documentation, online courses, and technical blogs to stay updated. Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer courses tailored to the latest Java SE advancements.

Open Source Contributions

Contributing to open-source projects not only helps the community but also enhances your skills and visibility in the industry. Platforms like GitHub provide opportunities to collaborate on Java projects and learn from experienced developers.

Conclusion

The Spring 2024 roadmap for Java SE highlights the importance of staying current with the latest advancements in the language, tools, and best practices. By focusing on core language enhancements, optimizing your development environment, prioritizing performance and security, and engaging with the community, you can ensure that your Java applications remain robust, secure, and performant.

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Java Virtual Machine Improvements in Java SE 8: Boosting Performance and Functionality

In the dynamic landscape of programming languages, Java has consistently stood out for its versatility and reliability. With the release of Java SE 8, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) underwent significant improvements that not only enhanced performance but also added new dimensions to the language's capabilities. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the key JVM enhancements in Java SE 8, shedding light on how these changes impact developers and the overall Java ecosystem.

1. Introduction to Java SE 8 and the JVM

Java SE 8, released in 2014, marked a pivotal moment in Java's evolution. One of the focal points of this update was the reinvigoration of the JVM. The JVM serves as the cornerstone for executing Java applications, making any enhancement in its functionality a crucial advancement for developers worldwide.

2. Just-In-Time (JIT) Compilation: A Game-Changer

One of the standout improvements in Java SE 8 was the enhancement of the Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation process. JIT compilation plays a pivotal role in translating Java bytecode into machine code at runtime. The optimization in Java SE 8 resulted in faster execution times, mitigating the notorious startup delays associated with earlier versions.

3. Lambda Expressions: Transforming Development Paradigms

Java SE 8 introduced lambda expressions, a groundbreaking feature that revolutionized the way developers write code. The JVM underwent modifications to efficiently handle these expressions, enabling concise and expressive syntax for handling functionalities like never before. This not only improved code readability but also contributed to enhanced developer productivity.

4. Metaspace: The Evolution of PermGen

In prior Java versions, memory management was often a pain point for developers, particularly with the infamous PermGen space. Java SE 8 addressed this concern by introducing Metaspace, a memory space that dynamically manages class metadata. This not only averted common OutOfMemory errors but also allowed for more scalable and adaptive memory allocation.

5. Parallel and Concurrent Collectors: Optimizing Garbage Collection

Garbage collection is a critical aspect of memory management in Java. Java SE 8 introduced parallel and concurrent collectors, providing more efficient ways to reclaim unused memory. These collectors significantly reduced pause times, enhancing application responsiveness and scalability.

6. Stream API: Simplifying Data Processing

The Stream API in Java SE 8 brought functional programming paradigms to Java, enabling developers to perform parallel operations on streams of data. The JVM optimizations tailored for the Stream API facilitated seamless parallel execution, unlocking unprecedented levels of performance in data processing tasks.

7. Nashorn JavaScript Engine: Bridging the Gap

Java SE 8 featured the introduction of the Nashorn JavaScript engine, replacing the aging Rhino. This upgrade enhanced the interoperability of Java with JavaScript, providing a more modern and performant scripting environment. The JVM modifications ensured smooth integration, fostering a more cohesive development ecosystem.

8. Improved Security Features: Safeguarding Applications

Security is a paramount concern in today's digital landscape. Java SE 8 addressed various security vulnerabilities by incorporating enhanced cryptographic algorithms and security protocols. The JVM modifications played a pivotal role in fortifying Java applications against potential threats, earning developers a more secure development environment.

9. Default Methods: Facilitating Interface Evolution

Default methods in interfaces were introduced in Java SE 8, allowing developers to add new methods to interfaces without breaking existing implementations. The JVM enhancements ensured seamless integration of default methods, promoting a smoother transition for developers adapting to evolving interface requirements.

10. Conclusion: Java SE 8 – A Paradigm Shift in Java Development

In conclusion, the Java Virtual Machine improvements in Java SE 8 have ushered in a new era of Java development. From performance optimizations to language features like lambda expressions and the Stream API, each enhancement has contributed to making Java SE 8 a milestone release. As developers continue to leverage these improvements, Java remains at the forefront of modern, scalable, and secure application development. Embracing the power of Java SE 8 and its refined JVM, developers are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of software development with confidence and efficiency.

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Unleashing the Power of Java SE: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Java SE, where we delve into the intricacies of this powerful programming language. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, understanding Java SE is not just an advantage but a necessity for developers aiming to stay at the forefront. Join us as we explore the nuances, capabilities, and applications of Java SE that make it a cornerstone in the world of software development.

What is Java SE?

Java SE, or Java Standard Edition, is a robust and versatile programming platform that forms the foundation for developing and deploying Java applications. It provides a comprehensive set of APIs, tools, and libraries, empowering developers to create diverse software solutions. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a novice, Java SE's flexibility makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of projects.

Key Features of Java SE

Object-Oriented Paradigm

At the heart of Java SE is its object-oriented programming paradigm. This approach enhances code reusability, scalability, and maintainability. Developers can encapsulate data and functionalities within objects, fostering a modular and efficient coding structure.

Platform Independence

One of Java SE's standout features is its platform independence, often referred to as "write once, run anywhere" (WORA). This means that Java code can be written on one platform and executed on any other with Java Virtual Machine (JVM) support, providing unparalleled versatility.

Rich Standard Library

Java SE boasts an extensive standard library, offering a plethora of pre-built classes and methods. This not only accelerates development but also ensures that developers have access to a wide range of tools, reducing the need for reinventing the wheel.

Security Mechanisms

Security is paramount in today's digital landscape, and Java SE excels in this aspect. With features like the Java Security Manager and robust authentication mechanisms, developers can build secure applications, mitigating potential vulnerabilities.

Java SE in Action

Enterprise Applications

Java SE finds widespread use in developing enterprise-level applications. Its scalability and reliability make it an ideal choice for crafting applications that can seamlessly handle large datasets and concurrent user interactions.

Web Development

Java SE is not limited to server-side applications; it plays a crucial role in web development. Technologies like JavaServer Pages (JSP) and Servlets empower developers to create dynamic and interactive web applications.

Mobile Development

In the realm of mobile development, Java SE has left an indelible mark. Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system, relies heavily on Java for building robust and feature-rich applications.

Java SE Best Practices

To harness the full potential of Java SE, adopting best practices is essential.

Code Optimization

Writing efficient and optimized code ensures that applications run smoothly and consume minimal system resources. Utilize tools like Java Profiler to identify and rectify performance bottlenecks.

Version Control

Implementing a robust version control system, such as Git, is crucial for collaborative development. This ensures code integrity, facilitates collaboration, and simplifies the debugging process.

Continuous Integration

Embrace the concept of continuous integration with tools like Jenkins or Travis CI. This practice enhances code quality, detects issues early, and facilitates a streamlined development workflow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Java SE stands as a stalwart in the realm of programming languages, offering a powerful and flexible platform for developers. Whether you are embarking on a new project or enhancing an existing one, the capabilities of Java SE are indispensable.

Source: oracle.com

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Quiz yourself: Secure serialization and deserialization

See if you know how to make rapidly changing code easier to maintain.

The objective here is to make serialization and deserialization secure while making often-changing code easier to maintain.

For this advanced-level Java SE 11 quiz, imagine you are working on an application that makes extensive use of serialization of business objects. Fields are being added to, and removed from, the business object classes over time; this is causing problems with old serialized representations becoming inconsistent with new code.

Which change best facilitates managing these changes and keeping the business object working? Choose one.

1. Implement java.io.Externalizable and choose which variables to serialize.
2. Make unwanted instance variables private.
3. Make unwanted instance variables transient.
4. Add a serialPersistentFields array and refer to it from writeObject / readObject when writing or reading required variables.

Answer. The default behavior of the serialization mechanism saves and restores all the instance state of an entire object. Fields that are added or removed might break the application or, in the worst case, they can introduce security issues. If you rely on default serialization, you should provide a static final long serialVersionUID constant and update it every time you modify a class structure in incompatible ways.

Let’s look at the options proposed for mitigating these problems.

Option A suggests implementing the java.io.Externalizable interface to give control over which part of the object is saved and restored, and to let you choose which variables to serialize. Certainly, this is a very powerful mechanism. However, in this model, the programmer becomes entirely responsible for handling the serialization and deserialization at a low level. Thus, the programmer must strictly maintain the order of serializing and deserializing, and also handle all evolution of the class. All this is error-prone and makes maintenance much harder. So, while this approach is very powerful and might help, it’s likely too much work for the problem at hand.

Option A has the power to mitigate the problem, so it’s not wrong. However, since this quiz question asks for the best option, you need to reserve judgment until you know if another option is better.

Option B suggests using the private access modifier to control serialization. However, private does not alter a field’s serialization. Given that this option simply makes no difference to the situation, you can reject option B as incorrect immediately.

Option C suggests marking some fields as transient. This keyword prevents a variable being written to the serialized form, and so it might address the problem at hand. However, transient still has some weaknesses. One is that in rapidly changing classes, it’s generally easier to maintain code that takes an “allowlist” approach, rather than a “blocklist” approach. An allowlist approach means that the programmer identifies variables that should be included in serialization, rather than identifying those that should not be included.

A second problem is that transient does not address the issue that changing the type of a serialized variable breaks compatibility. Although this option certainly has some merit, it’s not as expressive as option A.

Option D suggests providing a private static final array with the reserved name serialPersistentFields. This array is populated with ObjectStreamField objects that specify the names and types of the serializable fields, like this:

class BusinessObject implements Serializable {

    List list;

    private static final ObjectStreamField[] serialPersistentFields = 

      { new ObjectStreamField("list", List.class) };

}

This mechanism allows the programmer to explicitly allowlist the fields that should be serialized, and it supports adding or removing fields with some constraints. When code evolves, it’s possible to use the private methods writeObject and readObject to perform custom mapping from serialized copies, for example:

class BusinessObject implements Serializable {

    MyList list; // Changed data type, was previously List

    private void readObject(ObjectInputStream ois)  throws IOException, ClassNotFoundException {

        // Obtain all the data from the original serialized form

        ObjectInputStream.GetField gf = ois.readFields();

        // Extract original list from that data and create the

        // new data type, MyList from the elements it contains

        this.list = MyList.createFromList(gf.get("list", list)));

    }

}

Now that you have determined three of the four options can provide a degree of mitigation for the problem at hand, let’s consider which might be the best option. This might be easiest if you visualize the three valid options in a table alongside their features.

From the table, it seems reasonable to conclude that option D, the use of serialPersistentFields, provides the best balance, since it’s quite easy to implement and change, and yet it is powerful and expressive enough to deal with the great majority of changes that are likely to occur in a real project.

By contrast, with option A, the use of Externalizable is the most expressive option, but it requires great care in implementation. It will be tiresome to change the code correctly with each small change in the data structure. Therefore, option A is incorrect.

Option C, using transient, is very simple, but it is incapable of handling changes in data type. Further, since using transient requires attention when new fields are added that should not be serialized, this is likely to be more error-prone than an allowlist approach. Therefore, option C is incorrect.

For these reasons, using the serialPersistentFields mechanism is considered to be the best general-case approach, and option D is correct.

The correct answer is option D.

Source: oracle.com

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Unleashing the Power of JavaSE: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of programming languages, JavaSE stands out as a robust and versatile platform that has become a cornerstone for developers worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of JavaSE, exploring its features, applications, and why it is an indispensable tool for modern software development.

Understanding JavaSE

JavaSE, or Java Standard Edition, is the foundation upon which Java applications are built. It provides the essential libraries, APIs, and runtime environment needed to develop and deploy Java applications across various platforms. JavaSE's cross-platform compatibility and scalability make it a preferred choice for developers aiming to create robust and efficient software solutions.

Key Features of JavaSE

1. Platform Independence

One of the defining features of JavaSE is its ability to run on any device that supports Java. This platform independence is achieved through the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which allows Java programs to be executed on diverse hardware without modification.

2. Rich Standard Libraries

JavaSE boasts a comprehensive set of standard libraries, offering developers a vast array of pre-built functions and classes to streamline development. This not only accelerates the coding process but also ensures that Java applications maintain a high level of reliability and consistency.

3. Security Mechanisms

In an era where cyber threats are prevalent, JavaSE places a strong emphasis on security. With built-in features such as the Security Manager and robust APIs for encryption, developers can create applications with a heightened level of protection against potential vulnerabilities.

Applications of JavaSE

1. Enterprise-level Solutions

JavaSE finds extensive use in developing enterprise-level applications. Its scalability and stability make it an ideal choice for large-scale systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and more.

2. Web Development

JavaSE is a key player in the realm of web development. Through technologies like JavaServer Pages (JSP) and Servlets, developers can create dynamic and interactive web applications, ensuring a seamless user experience.

3. Mobile App Development

The versatility of JavaSE extends to mobile app development, with the platform being widely used for creating Android applications. Its adaptability and strong support for mobile development make it a top choice for crafting feature-rich mobile apps.

Advantages of Choosing JavaSE

1. Community Support

JavaSE benefits from a vast and active community of developers. This means that troubleshooting, finding solutions to challenges, and staying updated with the latest trends in Java development become more accessible through community forums and resources.

2. Scalability and Performance

The scalability of JavaSE allows applications to handle increased workloads without compromising performance. This makes it suitable for projects of varying sizes, from small-scale applications to enterprise-level solutions.

3. Continuous Updates

Oracle, the steward of Java, consistently releases updates and enhancements to JavaSE. This commitment to improvement ensures that developers have access to the latest features, security patches, and optimizations.

Conclusion

In the realm of programming languages, JavaSE stands tall as a versatile, secure, and performance-driven platform. Its widespread adoption across diverse domains, coupled with continuous updates and community support, solidifies its place as a powerhouse for developers worldwide.

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What is Java SE?

Java SE, also known as Java Standard Edition, is a widely used platform for developing and deploying Java-based applications. It provides a comprehensive set of APIs, tools, and runtime environments that allow developers to build and run Java applications on various platforms.

Overview of Java SE

Java SE is a platform that consists of three main components: the Java Development Kit (JDK), the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), and the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Java Development Kit (JDK)

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is a software development kit used to develop Java applications. It contains tools and libraries necessary for developing, debugging, and monitoring Java applications. The JDK includes a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is responsible for executing Java code. It also includes the Java compiler, which converts Java source code into bytecode that can be executed by the JVM. Additionally, the JDK includes various tools such as the Java debugger, profiler, and documentation generator. The JDK is available for multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is a software package that provides the runtime environment necessary to run Java applications. It contains the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is responsible for executing Java bytecode, as well as the core Java class libraries. The JRE does not contain the tools and libraries needed for Java application development, which are provided by the Java Development Kit (JDK).

The JRE is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can be downloaded and installed independently of the JDK. Many computers already have a JRE installed, as it is often included with web browsers or other software that requires Java. When a Java application is run, the JRE is responsible for interpreting and executing the bytecode, providing the necessary resources for the application to run properly.

Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is a software program that provides a runtime environment for Java applications to run. It acts as an interpreter for Java bytecode, which is a compiled version of Java source code. When a Java application is executed, the JVM reads the bytecode and translates it into machine-specific code that can be executed on the computer's processor.

The JVM provides several features, including memory management, garbage collection, and security. It dynamically allocates memory for Java objects as needed, and the garbage collector automatically frees up memory when it is no longer being used. Additionally, the JVM provides a layer of security by enforcing Java's access control and ensuring that applications cannot access resources outside of their designated permissions.

The JVM is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is a core component of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and Java Development Kit (JDK). The JVM is an essential part of the Java platform, providing the ability to write platform-independent code that can run on any device with a JVM implementation.

Features of Java SE

Java SE provides various features that make it a popular platform for developing and deploying Java applications. Some of these features include:

Object-oriented programming

Java SE is an object-oriented programming language, which means that it allows developers to create classes and objects that encapsulate data and behavior.

Platform independence

Java SE is a platform-independent platform, which means that Java applications can run on different platforms without any modifications.

Security

Java SE provides a secure environment for running Java applications by using a sandboxing mechanism that restricts the access of Java applications to system resources.

Automatic memory management

Java SE includes automatic memory management, which means that developers do not have to manage memory manually. The JVM automatically allocates and deallocates memory for Java applications.

Multithreading

Java SE provides support for multithreading, which allows Java applications to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Benefits of Java SE

Java SE provides various benefits for developers and organizations that use it for developing and deploying Java applications. Some of these benefits include:

Reduced development time

Java SE provides a comprehensive set of APIs and tools that allow developers to build Java applications quickly and efficiently.

Portability

Java SE allows Java applications to run on different platforms, which makes it easier for organizations to deploy Java applications in different environments.

Security

Java SE provides a secure environment for running Java applications, which helps organizations protect their sensitive data and assets.

Scalability

Java SE allows developers to build scalable Java applications that can handle large amounts of data and traffic.

Conclusion

Java SE is a widely used platform for developing and deploying Java applications. It provides a comprehensive set of APIs, tools, and runtime environments that allow developers to build and run Java applications on different platforms. Java SE provides various features and benefits that make it a popular platform for developing and deploying Java applications.

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What is Oracle Java SE? Understanding the Most Popular Programming Language

Java is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, and for good reason. It is a versatile and efficient language that can be used to create applications, games, and even entire operating systems. In this article, we will explore Oracle Java SE, the latest version of Java, and what it can do.

What is Java?

Java is an object-oriented programming language that was developed in the mid-1990s by Sun Microsystems, which was later acquired by Oracle Corporation. Java is widely used to create web applications, mobile applications, and enterprise software. It is also used in the creation of games and other interactive content. Java is platform-independent, which means that it can run on any operating system that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed.

What is Oracle Java SE?

Oracle Java SE is the latest version of Java that is offered by Oracle Corporation. It is a comprehensive development kit that includes everything needed to develop and run Java applications. Oracle Java SE includes a compiler, a runtime environment, and a set of libraries that are used to create Java applications. The current version of Oracle Java SE is version 17.

What are the features of Oracle Java SE?

Oracle Java SE includes a wide range of features that make it a powerful and versatile programming language. Some of the key features of Oracle Java SE include:

Object-oriented programming

Java is an object-oriented programming language, which means that it is designed around objects and their interactions. This makes it easy to create complex applications and systems that are modular and easy to maintain.

Garbage collection

Java includes a garbage collector that automatically frees up memory that is no longer being used. This makes it easier to write applications that are memory-efficient and reduces the risk of memory leaks.

Exception handling

Java includes a robust exception handling mechanism that makes it easy to handle errors and unexpected events. This helps to make Java applications more robust and reliable.

Multithreading

Java supports multithreading, which means that it is possible to create applications that can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. This makes it possible to create applications that are more responsive and efficient.

Security

Java includes a number of security features that help to make it a safe and secure programming language. For example, Java applets run in a sandboxed environment that prevents them from accessing resources on the user's computer.

How is Oracle Java SE used?

Oracle Java SE is used in a wide range of applications and systems. It is commonly used to develop enterprise applications, web applications, mobile applications, and games. Java is also used in the development of Android applications, which makes it one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.

How do I get started with Oracle Java SE?

To get started with Oracle Java SE, you will need to download and install the Java Development Kit (JDK). The JDK includes everything you need to start developing Java applications, including the Java compiler and runtime environment. Once you have installed the JDK, you can use an integrated development environment (IDE) such as Eclipse or NetBeans to start writing Java code.

What are the advantages of using Oracle Java SE?

There are many advantages to using Oracle Java SE for software development. Some of the key advantages include:

Portability

Java is a platform-independent programming language, which means that Java applications can run on any operating system that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. This makes it easy to develop applications that can run on multiple platforms.

Robustness

Java includes a number of features that make it a robust and reliable programming language. For example, the exception handling mechanism makes it easy to handle errors and unexpected events, while the garbage collector helps to prevent memory leaks.

Security

Java includes a number of built-in security features that make it a safe and secure programming language. Java applets, for example, run in a sandboxed environment that prevents them from accessing resources on the user's computer without their explicit permission. This helps to protect users from potential security threats, such as malware and viruses.

Large community and resources

Java has a large and active community of developers and users, which means that there are many resources available for learning and development. There are numerous online communities, forums, and blogs where developers can get help with their code and stay up to date on the latest developments in the Java ecosystem. Additionally, there are many libraries and frameworks available that can help speed up the development process and make it easier to build high-quality applications.

High demand and job opportunities

Java is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, which means that there is a high demand for developers with Java skills. This translates into a wide range of job opportunities and career paths for developers who are skilled in Java. From web development and enterprise software to mobile app development and gaming, there are many different industries and applications where Java is used.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oracle Java SE is a powerful and versatile programming language that is widely used in software development. With its object-oriented design, garbage collection, exception handling, multithreading, and security features, Java is a reliable and efficient language that can be used to create a wide range of applications and systems. For developers who are interested in learning Java, there are many resources available, including online communities, forums, and blogs. And with its high demand and job opportunities, Java is a great language for developers who want to build a career in software development.

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Nothing is better than the Optional type. Really. Nothing is better.

The blogosphere is full of claims that the Optional class solves the problem of null pointer exceptions. This is not true.

JDK 8 introduced the Optional class, a container that is either empty or contains a non-null value.

Optional has numerous problems without countervailing benefits. It does not make your code more correct or robust. There is a real problem that Optional tries to solve, and this article shows a better way to solve it. Therefore, you are better off using a regular and possibly null Java reference rather than Optional.

The web and blogosphere are full of claims that the Optional class solves the problem of null pointer exceptions. This is not true. Changing your code to use the Optional class has the following negative effects:

◉ Optional transforms a NullPointerException into a NoSuchElementException, which still crashes your program.

◉ Optional creates new problems that were not a danger before.

◉ Optional clutters your code.

◉ Optional adds space, time, and coding overhead.

When your code throws a NullPointerException or NoSuchElementException, the underlying logic bug is that you forgot to check all possibilities when processing data. It’s best to use a tool that guarantees you don’t forget. That helps you to understand and fix the underlying problem.

(These criticisms aren’t specific to Java’s implementation of Optional. Other languages that claim to have solved the null pointer problem have also merely transformed it into a different manifestation.)

To be clear, the Optional class isn’t all bad: If you need to use Optional, it defines methods for reducing code clutter when dealing with possibly present data. However, you should still avoid the Optional class.

The rest of this article expands on the points raised above.

Changing the exception that is thrown doesn’t fix the defect or improve the code

Consider the following Cartesian point class with fields x and y (this discussion is equally applicable to getter methods):

class Point { int x; int y; }

Because a Java reference may be null, there is a danger of a NullPointerException whenever you dereference it, as in myPoint.x below.

Point myPoint;

...

... myPoint.x ...

If myPoint is null and does not refer to a real point, then myPoint.x throws a NullPointerException and the program crashes. The following is a way to write this code using Optional:

Point myPoint;

Optional<Point> myOPoint = Optional.ofNullable(myPoint);

...

... myOPoint.get().x ...

If myOPoint does not contain a real point, then myOPoint.get().x throws a NoSuchElementException and the program crashes. This isn’t any better than the original code, because the programmer’s goal is to prevent all crashes, not just NullPointerException crashes!

It is possible to prevent the exception and crash by doing a check first.

if (myPoint != null) {

  ... myPoint.x ...

}

or

if (myOPoint.isPresent()) {

  ... myOPoint.get().x ...

}

Again, the code is very similar and Optional is not superior to using a regular Java reference.

Optional is prone to misuse

Optional is a Java class; therefore, the variable myOPoint of type Optional<Point> might be null. Thus, the expression myOPoint.get() might throw a NullPointerException or a NoSuchElementException! You really need to write the following:

if (myOPoint != null && myOPoint.isPresent()) {

  ... myOPoint.get().x ...

}

You can express complex data using the distinction between a null Optional value, a non-null Optional with data absent, and a non-null Optional with data present, but this is complex and confusing. Alternatively, you could decide to forgo those possibilities and to be careful and disciplined about not letting variables of type Optional be null. However, if you trusted yourself about that, you wouldn’t have had any null pointer exceptions in the first place and you wouldn’t be using Optional.

Optional is a wrapper, so uses of value-sensitive operations are error-prone, including reference equality checks (==), identity hash codes, and synchronization. You need to remember to not use these.

This isn’t a new issue: Back in 2016, Stuart Marks provided a longer list of rules to avoid mistakes in the use of Optional.

Optional clutters your code

With the Optional library, your code is more verbose, as shown in the following examples:

◉ Code for type names: Optional<Point> versus Point

◉ Code for checking a value: myOPoint.isPresent() versus myPoint == null

◉ Code for accessing data: myOPoint.get().x versus myPoint.x

None of these is a deal-breaker alone, but overall, Optional is cumbersome and ugly to use. For some concrete examples, see the Code Project blog’s “Why we should love ‘null’” post and search for the word cumbersome.

Optional introduces overhead

Optional introduces space overhead: An Optional is a separate object that consumes extra memory.

Optional introduces time overhead: Its data must be accessed via an extra indirection, and calling methods on it is more expensive than Java’s efficient test for null.

Optional introduces coding overhead: You must deal with Optional’s incompatibility with existing interfaces that use null, with the fact that it is not serializable, and so on.

The real problem: Remembering to perform checks

A NullPointerException or NoSuchElementException occurs because the programmer forgot to perform a check to see if data is present, via != null or .isPresent(), before trying to use the data.

Many people say that the main benefit of Optional is that with Optional, you are less likely to forget to perform the check. If true, that is good! Nonetheless, it’s not enough to make a problem somewhat less likely, in the few places where Optional is written. It is better to have a guarantee that eliminates the problem everywhere.

One way would be to force the programmer to always perform the check before accessing the data. (This is what some programming languages do, by offering a destructuring or pattern-match operator.) This would result in many redundant checks in places where the check has already been performed or it is not really needed. (As an analogy, think about how some programmers react to checked exceptions, which force the programmer to do a check whether the programmer wants to do it or not.)

A better approach is to have a tool that guarantees that you do not forget to check but that also doesn’t require redundant checks. Luckily, such tools exist; examples include Nullness Checker of the Checker Framework, NullAway, and Infer. (Note: I am the creator of the Checker Framework.)

As an example, consider Nullness Checker. It works at compile time, and it examines every dereference in your program and requires that the receiver is known to be non-null. That could be because you have already checked it or because it was generated by a source that never produces null.

Nullness Checker uses powerful analysis to keep track of whether a reference might be null. By comparison to the use of Optional, this reduces the number of warnings and the number of redundant checks that are needed. By default, Nullness Checker assumes that references are non-null, but you can specify possibly missing data by writing @Nullable, as in the type @Nullable Point.

Writing @Nullable Point is analogous to Optional<Point>, but with the following significant benefits:

◉ There is less clutter, because you write the @Nullable annotation on fields and method signatures—typically not within method bodies.

◉ It is compatible with existing Java code and libraries. There is no need to change your code to call methods of Optional. There is no need to change interfaces and clients to use the Optional type and no need to convert between Optional instances and regular references.

◉ There is no runtime overhead.

◉ You get a compile-time guarantee or a warning, never a runtime crash.

◉ The code is better documented. If Optional is not present on a type, you don’t know whether the programmer forgot it, Optional could not be written because of backward compatibility, or the data is really always present. With the static analysis of Nullness Checker, the annotations are machine-checked at compile time, so the program has @Nullable on every reference that might be null.

◉ You get guarantees about sources of null pointer exceptions, such as partially initialized objects and calls to Map.get, that Optional is not applicable to. It can also express method preconditions, which are useful for fields containing possibly missing data.

Nullness Checker achieves the goal of guaranteeing that you never forget to check for the presence of data, anywhere in your code, in a way that is less disruptive than the use of Optional. Other tools such as NullAway and Infer give similar guarantees with different trade-offs.

Since every programmer error related to null references is possible with Optional, and Optional makes new types of errors possible, programmers need support to avoid making all those errors. The Checker Framework also contains a compile-time Optional Checker that does exactly that, and it is useful if you need to use Optional (such as to interface with a library that uses Optional).

Optional’s handy methods

Although Optional tends to clutter your code, if you need to use Optional, it provides methods that reduce the clutter. Here are two examples.

◉ Its orElse method returns the value if it is present, or else it returns a default value.

◉ Its map method abstracts the pattern by doing the following:

  ◉ It takes as input a value.

  ◉ If the value is null, it returns null.

  ◉ Otherwise, it applies a function to the value and returns the result.

There are libraries that do the exact same things for regular Java references. An example is the Opt class that is distributed with the Checker Framework. For each instance method in Optional, the Opt class includes a static method.

Other methods such as filter and flatMap are described in the API documentation for Optional. These eliminate much of the need for calling Optional.isPresent() and Optional.get(), which is a great benefit. However, they don’t eliminate all the need, and the other disadvantages of Optional remain.

Counterarguments

Not everyone claims that Optional solves the problem underlying null pointer exceptions. For instance, Oracle’s JDK team does not claim this.

A general programming rule is to avoid, as much as possible, the situation that data is not present. This reduces the need to write a type such as Optional<Point> or @Nullable Point. All the arguments in this article continue to hold wherever in your program data might not be present.

Some people suggest (see Stuart Marks’ presentation on bikesheds) that programmers should use Optional sparingly, such as only on method return types and never on fields. If you use Optional less, there is less clutter, overhead, and potential for misuse. However, the only way to eliminate Optional’s problems is to not use it. Furthermore, if you use Optional less, you obtain fewer of its benefits. Null pointer exceptions are important no matter what their source or syntactic form, so the best solution is one that handles every reference in your program, not just some of them.

The main argument for Optional on return types is, “It’s too easy for clients to forget to handle the possibility of a null return value. Optional is ugly and in your face, so a client is less likely to forget to handle the possibility of an empty return value. Everywhere else, programmers should continue to use normal references, which might be null.” By contrast, my suggestion is that programmers should continue to use normal references everywhere in their program but use a tool to ensure that at every possible location—not just at method calls—the program checks against null when needed.

If you find a style of using Optional that solves part of your problems, at an acceptable cost to you, then good for you—use it.

Source: oracle.com

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What to expect on the new Java SE 17 developer certification exam

You have 90 minutes to answer 50 questions. Ready. Set. Go!

Oracle University’s Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 exam has been officially released. It’s time to start thinking about taking this certification exam, which means it’s time to start studying.

Many people ask why someone would bother to take a certification exam like this, particularly if that someone already has a satisfactory job as a working Java programmer. Of course, all the usual arguments apply. Perhaps you can get a better job, whether an internal promotion or elsewhere; or perhaps you could simply use your new certification as leverage for a pay raise.

My own feeling is that the effort of studying the language and its libraries with a view to measuring your skills and knowledge against an external yardstick will inevitably improve your skill set. That effort can be rewarding in its own right, even without getting a new job or increased pay at your current one.

That said, what’s in this exam, and what do you need to think about learning?

The Java 17 exam crams an enormous number of wide-ranging objectives into remarkably few questions—with rather limited time to complete the work. Fifty questions in 90 minutes, in fact. Is that enough time? It is if you know your stuff well and can think fast under pressure, which does sound a bit like the real world of professional programming.

However, 90 minutes certainly doesn’t leave any spare time for idle contemplation. Plan on going in fresh and energetic, and give it all you’ve got; you can relax after you’re done.

Pay attention to the details

The exam’s broad scope and quantity of objectives are addressed by many questions that seem to touch on multiple objectives at once. Because of that complexity, it’s more important than ever to be very attentive to detail.

Sometimes a question that looks absurdly complicated hinges on one simple observation. Spot that one detail, and the answer is immediately clear. Fail to spot it, and you could waste large amounts of time going down blind alleys.

Not all questions fall into this style, however, and sometimes you’ll be pushing the not-quite-two-minutes-per-question boundary to consider all the necessary details.

Here are some specific observations gleaned from those who’ve taken the exam (myself included). These thoughts are, necessarily, somewhat speculative. It’s hard enough to answer the exam questions, and it’s unrealistic to believe that anyone has much mental energy to spare for the task of reporting back on what they saw.

That said, here’s where you might invest your learning efforts.

Library APIs. The 1Z0-829 version of the Java SE exam seems to put a lot of emphasis on library APIs. Questions delve into some of the less-mainstream elements of those APIs. Presumably the idea is to determine whether candidates merely learned the obvious items or spread out their study and were more thorough.

For example, do you know what happens when you perform a binary search on an unsorted list? Be sure to look at all the libraries noted in the exam objectives—including all the methods of those APIs.

Wait! I hear you protest that you can’t learn all the methods, all the arguments, and all the return values of all the library APIs! You’re right, and it would be very inefficient to ask any programmer to learn what’s well documented and easy to look up whenever needed.

Therefore, you should study broad groupings of functionality, and in that way get a feel for the character of the libraries. For example, most methods that take a range will specify that range with the first value and then a fence, that is, the first value to be excluded. Thus, an integer range specified as 1, 11 would represent the values 1 to 10 inclusive. If it’s a floating-point range, it encompasses 1.0 to ten-point-nine-something—but less than 11.

Many libraries exhibit a conceptual consistency; try to find it along with getting a feel for how things work.

New language features. As you would expect, the Java SE 17 exam investigates your knowledge of language features that have been added over the past few years. Those include text blocks, switch expressions and the arrow form of switch, sealed and record types, and pattern matching for instanceof, along with a few other less-prominent features.

Take some time to get familiar with these new features and try out the corner cases. For this kind of thing, you’ll find that writing lots of code will help you become fluent with the feature and its details.

Of course, writing lots of code that exercises new Java functionality will serve you well in your day-to-day programming as soon as your project allows you to use these features. Thus, this is time well spent.

Core language functionality. Don’t forget that you’ll still need to know the core Java language fluently, for example, simple things such as identifier resolution. What happens if you have more than one identifier with the same spelling that might be reached from a particular point in the code? How can you take explicit control of that identifier, perhaps by using this or a class name as a prefix?

What about Java’s argument passing and the consequences of that?

Exception handling, particularly the declaration and catching of checked exceptions, will come up. You’ll need a strong grasp of how Java performs and controls the initialization of classes and objects. If you’re fumbling around having to think very long about these core language elements, you’ll quite likely run out of time.

Other observations

The date/time API that was added at Java 8 is back, and both the serialization feature and the threading APIs seem to have gained more prominence than in previous versions of the exam.

The Java Platform Module System (JPMS) has had varying amounts coverage in the exams since it was released in Java 9, and the current focus seems to have shifted to the migration of projects. Oracle talks about top-down and bottom-up migration styles, and questions about those seem to show up more than questions about the syntax of module-info.java files.

There is plenty of focus on streams and collectors, and even some reports of Spliterator showing up on questions. And, as has been the case for a long time, there’s at least a hint of the internationalization and localization APIs.

Source: oracle.com

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The art of long-term support and what LTS means for the Java ecosystem

Here’s what Java 17 has in common with Java 11 and Java 8.

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In June 2018, just over three years ago, Oracle and other participants in the Java ecosystem announced a change to the release cadence model for Java SE.

Rather than having a major release planned for every two to three years (which would often become three to four years), a new six-month feature-release-train model would be used: Every three years, a release would be designated as Long-Term Support (LTS) and receive quarterly security, stability, and performance updates only. This pattern borrowed shamelessly from the Mozilla Firefox release model but tweaked it to be more aligned with the requirements of a development platform.

The first version of Java released under that model was Java SE 11.

The release of Java SE 17, the second LTS release under the new model, is imminent, and this article will provide a refresher on how Java SE releases work. I’ll also offer some commentary on what has worked well over the past three years and what further refinements you should expect going forward.

The six-month feature-release model

Under the feature-release model, the Java platform developers can work on features and release those features within any six-month window—but only when the features are ready. Contrast that to the old legacy major-release model, where the Java platform developers felt enormous pressure to push features into a release; otherwise they would have to wait several years for the next cycle.

Meanwhile, application developers now enjoy a steady cadence of bite-size features on a predictable timeline. That’s a lot better than having Java developers trying to consume hundreds of changes all at once every few years.

Has it worked? Three years into the new model, developer surveys show that between a quarter and a half of developers use the latest six-month Java release as their day-to-day version. Half of those said they have applications in production on the latest release.

What about the rest?

It is well understood and expected that not all developers or organizations would want to consume feature releases on a six-month cadence. More conservative organizations, especially, want to solidify a development stack around a single version and not take on risks associated with the introduction of new features. This is where Java LTS releases come into play.

LTS focuses on stability

Java LTS releases, such as Java 11 and Java 17, are similar to Firefox’s Extended Support Releases. Oracle’s updates to Java LTS releases provide only stability, security, and performance improvements—not new features. This reduces the risk that an update could break interaction with a tool or library. Organizations can count on Java LTS releases being available for at least eight years, providing ample time for toolchains to solidify and for developers to transition to another LTS several years later.

The LTS model allows technology providers to zero in on particular versions in the longer-term support of their products. After all, it would be impractical to expect platform providers and toolchains to provide multiple years of support on every six-month feature release. Very quickly there would be dozens of versions in need of support, as well as a fragmented user base that would be impractical to manage.

The sweet-spot timing for versions that get the LTS treatment is subjective. Historically, if you look back from Java 1.2 to Java 8, there were three to four years between major releases. The new feature-release model has three years between Java 11 and Java 17. For very conservative organizations this three-year interval is ideal, but as more developers use modern tools and techniques, there is increasing demand for Oracle to offer Java LTS releases on a shorter cycle, perhaps every two years.

Let’s be clear: Each provider of Java platform binaries offers its own timelines and support offerings. The default at Oracle is that there will be eight years of support for a Java SE LTS release. For Java 8, LTS has already been extended through at least 2030, meaning that this version will have had at least 16 years of support when it’s finally retired!

Meanwhile, versions such as Java 7 and Java 11 are unlikely to have support extensions. Extensions are based simply on adoption and on whether the organizations providing the respective binaries feel it’s valuable to continue offering (commercial) support.

Source: oracle.com

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Demystifying Java SE Level for Jakarta EE

As I mentioned in Hashtag Jakarta EE #76, the Jakarta EE Platform project is in the process of determining the Java SE requirements for Jakarta EE 10. In this post, I try to shed some light on the implications of the various options currently up for a vote. What do these options actually mean for:

a) the Jakarta EE API developers

b) the vendors/projects implementing Jakarta EE specifications, and

c) the application developers.

I have discussed the options and the implications for these three groups below.

Option 1: source=Java SE 11, bin=Java SE 11, TCK=Java SE 11+

Java SE 11 as source/language level and binary level for all API JARs. Compatible Implementations are free to pass TCKs using any Java SE version at 11 or higher.

a) API developers are restricted to the language features in Java SE 11. This means that features such as Records can not be used in the APIs. The API JARs must be compiled to Java SE 11 class level.

b) Implementors can implement their compatible implementations using any

language features from any Java SE version. They may choose to certify using any version from 11 and higher. For example, a vendor may choose to support only Java SE 17 and higher if they wish. Or they may choose to support any Java SE version from 11 and higher.

c) Application developers can develop their applications using any language features from any Java SE version. If they use Java SE 16, or higher, they are able to use Records in their applications as they would like. However, some mapping, or conversion, may be needed when interacting with the Jakarta EE APIs. The upper limit of the Java SE version will depend on what version their selected implementation (runtime) supports.

Option 2: source=Java SE 11, bin=Java SE 17, TCK=Java SE 17+

Java SE 11 as source/language level and Java SE 17 as the binary level for all API JARs. Compatible Implementations are free to pass TCKs using any Java SE version at 17 or higher.

a) API developers are restricted to the language features in Java SE 11. This means that features such as Records can not be used in the APIs. The API JARs must be compiled to Java SE 17 class level.

b) Implementors can implement their compatible implementations using any

language features from any Java SE version. They have to certify using Java SE 17 or higher.

c) Application developers can develop their applications using any language features from any Java SE version. If they use Java SE 16, or higher, they are able to use Records in their applications as they would like. Some mapping, or conversion, may be needed when interacting with the Jakarta EE APIs.

Option 3: source=Java SE 17, bin=Java SE 17, TCK=Java SE 17+

Java SE 17 as source/language level and binary level for all API JARs. Compatible Implementations are free to pass TCKs using any Java SE version at 17 or higher.

a) API developers can use any language features from any Java SE version. This means that features such as Records can be used in the APIs. The API JARs must be compiled to Java SE 17 class level.

b) Implementors can implement their compatible implementations using any language features from any Java SE version. They have to certify using Java SE 17 or higher.

c) Application developers can develop their applications using any language features from any Java SE version. If they use Java SE 16, or higher, they are able to use Records in their applications as they would like.

Source: javacodegeeks.com

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