Java 24 Features (Released March 2025)

  1. Primitive Types in Patterns (Second Preview)
    • This feature enhances pattern matching by allowing primitive types in all pattern contexts, including instanceof and switch.
  2. Module Import Declarations (Second Preview)
    • Allows importing all packages exported by a module in a more concise way.
    • Simplifies modular library reuse.
  3. Flexible Constructor Bodies (Third Preview)
    • Enables statements to appear before an explicit constructor invocation (super(...) or this(...)).
    • Improves reliability when initializing fields before calling another constructor.
  4. Simple Source Files & Instance Main Methods(Fourth Preview)
    • Makes it easier for beginners to write Java programs without needing complex class structures.
    • Helps experienced developers write small programs more succinctly.
  5. Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
    • Introduces quantum-resistant digital signature algorithms to enhance security.
    • Helps protect against future quantum computing threats.

  6. Ahead-of-Time Class Loading & Linking [JEP 483]

    • Improves startup time by making the classes of an application instantly available, in a loaded and linked state, when the HotSpot Java Virtual Machine starts. Achieve this by monitoring the application during one run and storing the loaded and linked forms of all classes in a cache for use in subsequent runs. Lay a foundation for future improvements to both startup and warmup time.
  7. Generational Shenandoah Garbage Collector
    • Improves memory management efficiency by introducing generational GC for Shenandoah.
  8. Stream Gatherers
    • Adds new methods to Stream API for more flexible data processing.
  9. Vector API Enhancements
    • Improves performance for mathematical computations using vectorized operations.
  10. Expanded AI Support
    • Enhancements in pattern matching and module imports make Java more suitable for AI-powered applications.

Java 24 is packed with improvements across performance, security, concurrency, and AI integration.

To learn more, you can check out the full details here or here