Java 22 and Java 23 continue the trend of refining existing features while introducing new enhancements focused on performance, developer productivity, and modern language improvements.

Java 22 Features (Released March 2024)

  1. String Templates (Second Preview)
    • Expands on the preview from Java 21.
    • Allows embedding expressions directly inside strings. 
      String name = "Java";
String greeting = STR."Hello, \{name} 22!";
  2. Scoped Values (Second Preview)
    • Improves efficiency in sharing immutable data between threads.
    • More optimized compared to ThreadLocal.
  3. Vector API (Sixth Incubator)
    • Enhanced support for mathematical computations using vectorization.
    • Helps improve performance in data processing applications.
  4. Foreign Function & Memory API (Finalized)
    • This API is now a stable feature.
    • Provides efficient interoperability with native code.
  5. Pattern Matching for switch (Finalized)
    • The feature that started as a preview is now officially part of Java.

Java 23 Features (Released September 2024)

  1. Primitive Types in Patterns (Preview)
    • Expands pattern matching capabilities to include primitive types.
    • Enhances instanceof and switch statements for better performance.
  2. Generational ZGC
    • Improves memory management efficiency through a generational approach.
    • Enhances garbage collection performance for large-scale applications.
  3. Expanded Virtual Threads Features
    • Further refinements in concurrency management.
    • Improving performance and debugging tools.
  4. Markdown Documentation Comments
    • Introduces native Markdown support for Java documentation.
    • Allows better formatting and readability in Javadoc comments.
  5. Class-File API (Second Preview)
    • Enables advanced manipulation of Java class files.
    • Useful for tools and frameworks that interact with bytecode.
  6. Performance Boost for JVM
    • Includes enhancements to runtime efficiency.
    • The Graal JIT Compiler further optimizes performance.

Looking Ahead

Java 22 stabilized many features previewed in Java 21, while Java 23 refines concurrency, memory management, and modern syntax improvements. These releases set the stage for Java’s continued evolution toward better efficiency and developer experience.