Which Java Version Should You Learn? A Guide for Developers

Introduction:

Java has been around for decades, and it’s not slowing down! With new versions rolling out every six months, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about which version to learn. Should you stick with the stable Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, or dive into the latest feature-rich releases? In this post, we’ll break down the differences between Java versions, highlight key features, and help you decide which version suits your needs best — whether you’re just starting out or you’re already knee-deep in code.

1. The Java Release Cycle: LTS vs. Feature Releases

Java follows a predictable release cycle:

• Feature releases come out every six months with the latest and greatest in terms of language features, libraries, and optimizations.
• Long-Term Support (LTS) versions are released every three years and are supported by Oracle for extended periods (at least 8 years). These versions are the backbone of enterprise applications.

Why Does This Matter?

• Feature releases are exciting if you like living on the bleeding edge and want to work with the latest tools Java has to offer. But, they come with shorter support windows, meaning you’ll need to upgrade frequently.
• LTS versions, on the other hand, are stable, reliable, and receive updates for years. If you’re building applications that need long-term stability (think enterprise-level apps), LTS versions are your best friend.

2. The Most Popular Versions: Java 8, 11, 17, and Beyond

Let’s zoom into the most significant versions to help you understand which one is best for you.

Java 8 (Released in 2014, LTS)

Java 8 is still incredibly popular, especially for legacy systems. It introduced major changes like:

• Lambda expressions: Making Java much more concise and powerful.
• Streams API: A new way to process data collections efficiently.
• New Date and Time API: Fixing long-standing issues with date manipulation in Java.

When to learn Java 8:

• If you’re working with older systems or joining a company with legacy code, learning Java 8 is essential. Many organizations are still migrating from Java 8, making it highly relevant in the job market.

Java 11 (Released in 2018, LTS)

Java 11 is the next major LTS release after Java 8, and it comes with useful new features:

• Local-variable syntax for lambda parameters: Reducing boilerplate code even more.
• New HTTP Client: A modern replacement for the old HttpURLConnection.
• Garbage Collection Enhancements: Significant improvements in memory management.

When to learn Java 11:

• Java 11 is an excellent choice for modern enterprise applications. Many companies that skipped Java 9 and 10 upgraded directly to Java 11, making it a strong choice for current and future development.

Java 17 (Released in 2021, LTS)

The latest LTS version is packed with more than just incremental improvements:

• Sealed Classes: Provides more control over class hierarchies.
• Pattern Matching for instanceof: Making the code cleaner and more readable.
• Records: A simplified way to create data-carrying classes with minimal boilerplate.

When to learn Java 17:

• If you want to future-proof your skills, Java 17 is the one to learn. As the latest LTS, it’s where most forward-thinking companies are heading. You’ll be well-equipped to handle both current projects and those in the coming years.

Java 21 and Beyond (Released in 2023, LTS)

Java 21 introduces exciting features like:

• String Templates: Making string concatenation cleaner.
• New Garbage Collectors: Even better memory management optimizations.
• Pattern Matching for Switch: Extending the pattern matching introduced in earlier versions.

When to learn Java 21:

• As the most recent LTS version, Java 21 is ideal if you’re ready to jump into the future. It’s built for developers looking to harness the latest innovations in the Java ecosystem.

3. Which Java Version Should YOU Learn?

Beginner Developers:

If you’re just starting out, go for Java 17 or Java 21. These versions will set you up with the latest features and keep you in sync with modern development practices. Plus, you’ll have long-term support and a robust set of tools to learn from.

Developers Working with Legacy Systems:

Java 8 is still widely used in enterprise environments. If you’re joining a company with an older codebase, learning Java 8 will make you more adaptable and ready to jump into real-world projects.

Future-Proof Developers:

If you want to stay on top of the latest trends and don’t mind upgrading frequently, consider learning the latest feature releases like Java 21. They provide access to cutting-edge features that might become mainstream in the future.

Enterprise Developers:

For enterprise applications, stick with the LTS versions like Java 11 or Java 17. They offer stability, long-term security updates, and support, which are critical for applications that need to run smoothly for years.

4. How to Stay Up-to-Date with Java

Java is evolving fast, and it’s essential to stay updated:

• Read the official OpenJDK updates to get insights into what’s coming in the next releases.
• Follow Java-related blogs and watch keynotes from conferences like Oracle Code One and JavaOne.

Additionally, consider setting up a development environment where you can experiment with the latest Java versions. Tools like SDKMAN! make it easy to switch between versions quickly.

Conclusion -> {

The question of which Java version to learn ultimately comes down to what you’re working on and where you want your career to go. If you’re looking for long-term stability, stick with the LTS versions like Java 17 or Java 21. If you’re into experimentation and staying on the cutting edge, embrace the feature releases.

Remember, whichever version you choose, the core of Java remains solid. Each new version builds on the foundation of earlier releases, so learning Java is always a worthwhile investment in your future as a developer!

}

What’s Next?

So, you’ve made it this far and now have a solid grip on which Java version to learn. But hold on! The Java world is like a never-ending buffet of cool features, and we’ve only tasted the appetizers. In my future posts, we’ll dive deeper into some features Java has to offer:

• Ever wondered how Java’s Pattern Matching can make your code look like it just left the spa, refreshed and cleaner? Yup, we’ll get into that.
• Or how Records can save you from writing a hundred lines of boring boilerplate code, giving you more time for coffee breaks (or fixing bugs, whichever comes first)?
• And let’s not forget Sealed Classes, the introvert of the Java world, keeping unwanted subclasses out and bringing some serious structure to your code!

Stay tuned, because Java’s latest features are the gift that keeps on giving. And I promise, my upcoming blogs will make you love Java even more — or at least make your coworkers think you do!

So, buckle up for the next blog! Same Java-time, same Java-channel. 🚀