Java/JDK 15 upcoming new features

In this section we are discussing the upcoming confirmed features of Java/JDK 15, which is scheduled to be released in September 2020.

Java/JDK 15 upcoming new features

In this section we are discussing the upcoming confirmed features of Java/JDK 15, which is scheduled to be released in September 2020.

Java/JDK 15 upcoming new features

Java/JDK 18 Features: Java/JDK 15 upcoming new features

New upcoming features of Java/JDK 15 that we know so far.

Java/JDK 15 is coming with lots of new features like text blocks, garbage collectors, hidden classes, and previews of pattern matching and records. This version of Java will come with many feature updates and performance improvements. The sealed classes are one of the most important features that are coming with the JDK 15.

In this section we are discussing all the news features and improvements coming with the JDK 15.

The Java Development Kit (JDK) 15 is under active development and expected to be released on  September 15, 2020. Once released it will replace JDK 14, which is currently the latest supported version of Java. Before it's September release there will be two candidate releases by August 2020.

JDK 15 is confirmed to have following features:

  1. JEP 360: Sealed Classes (Preview)
  2. JEP 381: Remove the Solaris and SPARC Ports
  3. JEP 383: Foreign-Memory Access API (Second Incubator)

Features proposed for JDK 15 which is still not included in the official list are:

  1. Records
  2. sealed classes
  3. removal of Solaris and Sparc ports
  4. Edwards-Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (EDSA) cryptographic signatures

Features included in the official list of JDK 15 are:

  1. Hidden classes
  2. Removal of the Nashorn JavaScript engine
  3. Re implementing the legacy DatagramSocket API
  4. Disabling biased locking
  5. Pattern matching for instance of
  6. The ZGC and Shenandoah garbage collectors
  7. Introduction to text blocks

JEP 360: Sealed Classes (Preview)

JEP 360 is all about the sealed classes and interfaces for JDK. Java Language Architect Brian Goetz drafted the JEP 360 that introduces sealed classes and interfaces to the JDK. He writes, “A sealed class or interface can be extended or implemented only by those classes and interfaces permitted to do so. […] A class is sealed by applying the sealed modifier to its declaration. Then, after any extends and implements clauses, the permits clause specifies the classes that are permitted to extend the sealed class.”

The sealed classes are designed to work with the hidden classes and pattern matching. This will bring “enhancing abstraction, encapsulation, safety, expressiveness, and maintainability without giving up performance.” So, the sealed classes are a very important update coming in JDK 15.

JEP 381: Remove the Solaris and SPARC Ports

The Solaris and SPARC Ports were deprecated in Java 14 through JEP 362 and now in JDK 15 it will be removed through JEP 381.

JEP 383: Foreign-Memory Access API (Second Incubator)

The  foreign-memory access API feature was introduced in JDK 14 through JEP 370. Now in JDK 15, JEP 383 brings the second round of incubation of foreign-memory access API features. In the JDK 15 this feature will come with some changes and refinements. This feature will allow the Java programmers to access the memory outside of Java heap.