Java Cements Its Relevance to Contemporary Development with JDK 21 with a Bevy of Language, Concurrency, Security, and API Updates

Description

The IDC Market Perspective discusses the enduring relevance of Java in contemporary software development, particularly with the release of JDK 21. It highlights Java's versatility and adaptability across various applications, including generative AI and non-generative AI use cases. The document also explores the key features of JDK 21, its significance to developers, and its impact on the future of Java. Despite the rise of natural language and low-code/no-code tools, Java's importance is expected to increase in tandem with the adoption of generative AI technologies. "Java's enduring versatility and adaptability across a wide range of applications are aptly illustrated by the features included in JDK 21. This adaptability renders Java indispensable to modern application development," said Arnal Dayaratna, research vice president, Software Development, IDC.

Product Code: US51946622

Executive Snapshot

New Market Developments and Dynamics

IDC's Point of View

Java Remains the World's Most Popular Programming Language
OpenJDK and Assessing JDK 21
- Concurrency
  - JEP 444: Virtual Threads
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
  - JEP 453: Structured Concurrency (Preview)
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
- Performance
  - JEP 439: Generational ZGC
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
- Language Enhancements
  - JEP 430: String Templates (Preview)
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
  - JEP 440: Record Patterns
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
  - JEP 441: Pattern Matching for Switch
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
  - JEP 443: Unnamed Patterns and Variables (Preview)
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
- Java-Related Education
  - JEP 445: Unnamed Classes and Instance Main Methods (Preview)
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
- APIs and Foreign Data and Systems
  - JEP 442: Foreign Function and Memory API (Third Preview)
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
  - JEP 448: Vector API (Sixth Incubator)
    - Feature Overview
    - Developer and Development-Related Significance
    - Summary of Value to Java
Project Babylon
Conclusion