Java SE 23 language features and code examples

Java SE 23, released in September 2023, brings a range of enhancements and language updates designed to improve performance, security, and ease of use. This release includes new preview features, API enhancements, garbage collection improvements, and more. Let’s dive into the main changes introduced in Java SE 23 and what they mean for developers.

1. New Preview Features in Java SE 23

Java SE 23 includes several new preview features that developers can test and provide feedback on before they are finalized. Notable preview features include:

Sequenced Collections (Second Preview)

The SequencedCollection interface, which unifies List, Set, and Deque collections, returns for a second preview. This feature adds methods like getFirst() and getLast(), enabling ordered iteration and reverse traversal.

Keywords: "Java SE 23 sequenced collections," "getFirst and getLast methods in Java," "Sequenced collections Java"

Unnamed Patterns and Variables (Second Preview)

Unnamed patterns and variables simplify code readability by allowing developers to omit naming variables in complex structures. This feature is especially useful for pattern matching in records and switch expressions.

Keywords: "Unnamed patterns Java SE 23," "Java pattern matching updates," "Unnamed variables Java"

Pattern Matching for Switch (Fifth Preview)

Pattern matching for switch statements is further refined in Java SE 23, enhancing readability and making code more expressive, particularly when working with records.

Keywords: "Pattern matching in Java SE 23," "Java SE 23 switch enhancements," "Java pattern matching records"

2. Library and API Enhancements

Java SE 23 introduces updates to the Java Standard Library, improving performance and adding useful functionalities:

HttpClient API Improvements

The HttpClient API now handles HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 protocols more efficiently, optimizing network performance and reducing latency.

Keywords: "Java SE 23 HttpClient improvements," "Java HttpClient HTTP/3 support," "Java SE 23 network efficiency"

Foreign Function & Memory API (Third Preview)

With further improvements, this API allows Java applications to interact with native memory more safely and efficiently. Enhanced MemorySession and native interactions are perfect for high-performance applications.

Keywords: "Java SE 23 Foreign Function API," "Java SE 23 MemorySession improvements," "Java native memory access"

Enhanced Virtual Threads (Project Loom)

Virtual threads receive additional improvements, offering better scalability for concurrent applications. These lightweight threads are ideal for applications handling many simultaneous connections.

Keywords: "Java virtual threads SE 23," "Java concurrency improvements," "Java lightweight threads"

3. Platform Changes and JVM Enhancements

Java SE 23 focuses on JVM optimizations that boost start-up times, garbage collection, and overall performance.

Garbage Collection Enhancements

Improvements across G1, ZGC, and Shenandoah garbage collectors help reduce latency and enhance memory management. These updates support high-load, real-time applications with optimized pause times.

Keywords: "Java SE 23 garbage collection," "G1 ZGC improvements Java SE 23," "Java real-time application performance"

Improved Start-Up Time

Java SE 23 enhances start-up and warm-up times, which is particularly beneficial for containerized and cloud-native applications that frequently restart.

Keywords: "Java SE 23 start-up time," "Java SE 23 warm-up performance," "Java cloud-native optimization"

4. Deprecations and Removals

As Java evolves, certain older features are deprecated or removed to streamline the platform and maintain security standards.

Deprecated and Removed Features

Java SE 23 removes some previously deprecated elements and marks others as deprecated, signaling a shift towards more modern, secure alternatives. Developers should prepare for these changes in future releases.

Keywords: "Java SE 23 deprecated features," "Java SE 23 removed elements," "Java deprecated APIs"

5. Language and Syntax Refinements

Java SE 23 refines syntax and improves null handling constructs, allowing developers to write more concise, null-safe code.

Simplified Null Handling

Simplified syntax for null handling makes it easier to write safe and clear code. Although a minor change, these adjustments improve code quality and readability.

Keywords: "Java SE 23 null handling," "Java syntax refinement SE 23," "Null-safe code Java SE 23"

6. Enhanced Documentation and Security

Java SE 23 also brings improvements to Javadoc customization, supporting better structured documentation for developers. Security updates enhance cryptographic capabilities to keep Java secure against evolving threats.

Keywords: "Java SE 23 Javadoc improvements," "Java SE 23 security updates," "Java cryptography SE 23"

1. Sequenced Collections (Second Preview)

The SequencedCollection interface in Java SE 23 unifies List, Set, and Deque, adding ordered access methods like getFirst(), getLast(), and reversed() iteration. This makes it easier to handle collections in a predictable order.

Example:

import java.util.*;

public class SequencedCollectionExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        SequencedCollection<String> sequencedList = new ArrayList<>(List.of("Java", "Python", "Kotlin"));
        
        System.out.println("First Element: " + sequencedList.getFirst());  // Outputs: Java
        System.out.println("Last Element: " + sequencedList.getLast());    // Outputs: Kotlin

        // Add elements to the beginning and end
        sequencedList.addFirst("C++");
        sequencedList.addLast("Swift");

        System.out.println("Updated Collection: " + sequencedList);

        // Reverse iteration
        for (String language : sequencedList.reversed()) {
            System.out.print(language + " ");
        }
        // Outputs: Swift Kotlin Python Java C++
    }
}

Note: SequencedCollection is a preview feature, so you'll need to enable it in preview mode when running this code in Java SE 23.

2. Pattern Matching for Switch (Fifth Preview)

Pattern Matching in switch expressions has been enhanced in Java SE 23, making it more concise when dealing with complex data types. Here’s an example where switch is used to handle different object types:

Example:

public class PatternMatchingSwitchExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Object obj = 10;

        String result = switch (obj) {
            case Integer i -> "Integer with value: " + i;
            case String s when s.length() > 5 -> "Long string: " + s;
            case String s -> "String with value: " + s;
            case null -> "It's null!";
            default -> "Unknown type!";
        };

        System.out.println(result);  // Outputs: Integer with value: 10
    }
}

In this example:

• switch matches the type of obj and executes different code blocks depending on the object's type.
• The syntax is simplified, making the code cleaner and easier to read.

3. Unnamed Patterns and Variables (Second Preview)

Java SE 23 introduces unnamed patterns and variables, allowing you to omit variable names for unused data in pattern matching. This feature can improve readability in complex pattern structures.

Example:

public class UnnamedPatternsExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        record Person(String name, int age) {}

        Object obj = new Person("Alice", 30);

        if (obj instanceof Person(_, int age)) {
            System.out.println("Age: " + age);  // Outputs: Age: 30
        }
    }
}

In this example:

• The underscore _ in Person(_, int age) represents an unnamed pattern, allowing us to ignore the name field while still capturing the age field.
• Unnamed patterns reduce verbosity, especially in nested patterns.

Conclusion

Java SE 23’s new language features make Java more expressive and concise, improving both the readability and functionality of Java code. From ordered Sequenced Collections to refined Pattern Matching and the flexibility of Unnamed Patterns, these updates are a significant step forward. Try them out in preview mode and see how they can enhance your development experience!

Keywords: "Java SE 23 language features", "sequenced collections Java", "pattern matching Java", "unnamed patterns Java", "Java SE 23 examples"

Windows Server 2025's Game-Changing Features, Faster Performance, and Extended Support

Windows Server 2025 offers improved support for virtual machines, faster networking, improved clustering for AI and machine learning tasks, and features like DTrace, LAPS, and block cloning. However, Microsoft acknowledges some bugs and promises support until October 10, 2029, and even until October 10, 2034. The new version is faster, safer, and offers features for managing servers, making it suitable for both small businesses and large corporations.

Microsoft has finally let Windows Server 2025 out of the bag! This new version of their server operating system hit the streets on Friday, November 1st, and it's packed with cool new stuff.

Let's dive into the awesome new features:

Hotpatching: No More Reboots!

Remember how annoying it was to reboot your server for updates? Well, not anymore! Windows Server 2025 has this neat trick called hotpatching. It lets you install security updates without restarting your server. How cool is that?

Super-Fast Storage

Windows Server 2025 is like a race car for your data. It can handle NVMe storage way better than the old version. Microsoft says it's up to 60% faster at reading and writing data. That's a big deal if you're dealing with lots of information.

Active Directory Gets a Makeover

Active Directory, the thing that manages all your users and computers, got some cool upgrades:

It can now fix broken stuff in your directory all by itself

You can make the database bigger (32k pages!) if you need to

It's better at keeping secrets safe

Security Beefed Up

Windows Server 2025 is like a digital fortress:

Credential Guard is turned on by default to stop bad guys from stealing passwords

The way it handles file sharing (SMB) is way more secure

There's this new thing called "VBS enclaves" that helps apps protect their secrets

Virtualization and AI Power

If you're into virtual machines and artificial intelligence, you'll love these:

Better support for sharing GPUs between virtual machines

A feature called "AccelNet" that makes networking for virtual machines super fast

Improved clustering for big AI and machine learning tasks

Other Cool Stuff

DTrace: A tool to help you figure out what's going wrong with your system

LAPS: Automatically creates and changes administrator passwords to keep things safe

Block cloning: Makes copying files way faster

Not All Sunshine and Rainbows

Microsoft did say there are a few bugs they're still working on. Some computers with lots of processors might have trouble installing it, and there could be some boot issues in certain setups.

How Long Will It Last?

Microsoft promises to support Windows Server 2025 until October 10, 2029. If you need even longer, they'll keep it going until October 10, 2034.

Want to try it out? Microsoft is offering a free 180-day trial. Go check it out and see what all the fuss is about!

This new Windows Server is like a Swiss Army knife for IT folks. It's faster, safer, and packed with features to make managing servers easier than ever. Whether you're running a small business or a big corporation, Windows Server 2025 has something cool for everyone.