When it comes to programming languages in the IT world, Java is definitely one of the most widely used. Its applications are appropriate for an online circulated environment. A new version of Java has recently been released, and there have been quite a few conjectures about the new features inherent in it. By the way, the newly introduced version is referred to as Java 13.
It is apparent that Java can be used to create total applications that can run on one computer or through dissemination among other servers within a single network. However, over the years, the continuous development of Java has led to many additions of packages and classes to the conventional Java library. While talking about the programming language, Mark Reinhold, the chief architect of Java Platform, revealed that the latest release cycle of Java will be six months. The implication of this is that this cycle of Java versions will introduce new features in each release. Therefore, it is not surprising that the enthusiasts are trying to find the new features in the latest version of Java 13. If you tried to know what’s new in this latest version, you can read all the details here.
Text Blocks Inclusion
One of the major additions to the new version of Java 13 are text blocks. This is a multi-line literal sequence that is apt for the purpose of circumventing requirements for undue escape strings. One thing that stands out for the text block is its suitability for automatic formatting of strings that can be predicted and controlled by the developers. In other words, this new feature supports the simplicity that is much preferred when writing Java programs, especially for new users. This has been made possible thanks to the basic expression of sequences over different lines of source codes. The major concern for the release of this feature is to circumvent escape strings for standard cases.
This new feature is also suitable for improving the readability of sequences. It can help boost the readability of strings in programs that signifies code written in the non-Java languages. Another important use of text blocks in Java 13 is the support for the migration from string literals. The revised version makes it possible for any new construct to express the same set of sequences as string literal, and also interpret the same escape strings. Additionally, it supports manipulations such as string literal.
Legacy Socket API Reimplementation
Another important additional feature to Java 13 is the reimplementation of the legacy socket API. This is no doubt an ideal replacement for the fundamental implementations used by java.net.Socket APIs and java.net.ServerSocket. Now, the benefit of this is the combination of complexity and simplicity in implementing maintenance and debugging. This means the complexity associated with the process can be carried out with ease. This implementation is appropriate for adapting to functioning with fibers, also known as user-mode threads.
Switch Expression
Switch expression is another outstanding addition to the new version. It’s important to mention that this feature was fundamental to the new features that were included in Java 12. However, there is a little change in Java 13. The ‘break’ value statement was replaced by the ‘yield’ value statement in the new release. The goal of this is to achieve significant value from the Switch expression. The fundamental aim of the enhancement is to use the Switch extension as a statement or as an expression. This means a developer can use the conventional ‘case…’ labels with fall-through or the new ‘case….->’ without fall-through.
Z Garbage Collector Enhancement
In Java 11, there was Z Garbage Collector, which was an important feature of this version. There is an improvement to this in Java 13. This new enhancement shows the functionality of restoring unused memory to the operating system. Z Garbage Collector is popular for its low latency and higher scalability for the collectors. In Java 12, there was an improvement to the ZGC feature but the garbage collector didn’t return the unused memory to the operating system. And this can sometimes create the problem of stagnation of memory as a result of non-utilization for a stretch of time.
AppCDS Extension
Application Class Data Sharing has also been extended to enable exceptional archiving of classes when application implementation ends. These classes that have been archived will entail a loaded application and this makes it possible for the user not to find other library classes in the default base layers Class Data Sharing (CDS) archive.
Other prominent additions to the features of Java 13 include:
- Additional Default Native GSS API Library on Windows;
- New Sequence Constants for Canonical XML 1.1 URI;
- Configurable Read Timeout designed for CRLs;
- Support for MS-CNG (Cryptography Next Generation);
- Resumption of Session without Server Side State in JJSE;
- Support for Kerberos Cross Realm Referrals.
Although there are quite a number of additional features to the new Java 13 version, there are also some exclusions. This means that there are some features in other previous versions of Java that you won’t find in this one. Some of the features that are not present in the new version include removing aws.toolkit System Property; runtime trace methods; VM option; T system Deutsche Telekom Rook CA-2 Certificate; Two Comodo Root CA-Certificate; plus duplicating the RSA services not supported by the SunJSSE Provider.
Conclusion
There is a constant evolution in the world of Java. The different developments undoubtedly have brought specific improvements. It is believed that more of them will be made as new versions are released. All Java enthusiasts can look forward to the next six-month release cycle and anticipate more improvements to be made to their favorite Java features.
