Redwood Shores, California. Oracle has announced the official availability of Java 24, the new version of the world’s most widely used programming language, reinforcing its role as a key platform for developing critical enterprise applications and artificial intelligence (AI) projects. This version incorporates 24 new enhancement proposals (JEPs) aimed at increasing developer productivity, bolstering security against future quantum challenges, and offering native support for AI-based applications.
The announcement was made during the JavaOne 2025 conference, where the company showcased the main innovations of this version, in line with the evolution of the global technology landscape.
Java 24: Designed for the Era of Intelligence
With Java 24, Oracle takes a step forward in preparing its platform for intelligent applications, introducing enhancements that directly impact performance, security, ease of development, and scalability.
New Language Features
- Widespread Use of Primitive Types (JEP 488): The inclusion of primitive types in patterns,
instanceof, andswitchimproves expressiveness and simplifies code, particularly benefiting AI inference applications. - Flexible Constructors (JEP 492): Facilitate the writing of more robust and reliable classes by organizing logic into prologues and epilogues.
- Simplified Module Imports (JEP 494): Reduces the complexity of using modular libraries, making the language more accessible to beginner developers and streamlining the integration of external services and libraries.
Optimized Libraries for Modern Applications
- Stream Gatherers (JEP 485): Transform the use of streams in Java, enabling more efficient customized and complex intermediate operations.
- Scoped Values (JEP 487) and Structured Concurrency (JEP 499): Enhance multithreading management, helping to avoid thread leaks and simplifying concurrent programming.
- Vector API (JEP 489): Introduces high-performance vector operations, essential for scientific computing and AI engines.
Security Prepared for the Post-Quantum Era
Oracle introduces key features that anticipate the risks of quantum computing:
- New Cryptographic Implementations Resilient to Quantum Computing (JEP 496 and JEP 497), validated by NIST standards, that protect the integrity and confidentiality of data in critical environments.
- Key Derivation API (JEP 478), essential for the security of data in transit and the protection of enterprise communications.
Unprecedented Performance and Efficiency
Java 24 focuses on improving application startup and execution times:
- Early Class Loading and Linking (JEP 483), which reduces latency and optimizes deployment.
- Compact Object Headers (JEP 450), allowing for better memory utilization and greater deployment density.
- G1 Garbage Collector Optimization (JEP 475), which enhances the quality of generated code and operational efficiency.
Adaptation to Cloud and Hybrid Deployments
Java 24 arrives with a strong push for integration with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), where developers will have access to Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM, and enterprise performance packages at no additional cost. Additionally, the universal Java SE subscription service offers extended support, advanced management, and tools for complex enterprise environments.
Industry Voices
Frank Greco, President of NYJavaSIG, emphasized: “The advancement of the Vector API positions Java as a robust choice for predictive and generative AI algorithms.”
From XDEV Software GmbH, its CEO Richard Fichtner highlights: “Stream Gatherers represents an anticipated evolution that simplifies advanced data transformations and enhances code maintainability.”
In the educational field, Jeanne Boyarsky, a developer at CodeRanch, praised the flexibility of the new constructors and Java 24’s contribution to simplifying complex projects.
Prepared for the Next Decade
Java 24 reinforces its role as a cornerstone of enterprise development in sectors ranging from banking and telecommunications to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Oracle’s commitment to a predictable update cycle every six months, combined with its roadmap focused on security and innovation, guarantees organizations a reliable platform ready to meet future challenges.
Source: Noticias Incubaweb