Java is undoubtedly one of the most popular programming languages in the world. It has been around for more than two decades and has proved itself to be one of the most versatile and reliable languages in the industry. Java has been constantly evolving over the years and the latest release – . In this article, we will be exploring some of the new features and changes that Java 9 brings to the table.

1. Modularization

One of the most significant changes in Java 9 is the introduction of the Java Platform Module System (JPMS). With JPMS, Java is being broken down into a set of modules that makes it easier to develop, deploy and maintain large-scale applications. This modular approach allows for greater scalability, security and performance optimization, making Java 9 an excellent choice for developing large and complex applications.

2. Promises and CompletableFuture

Java 8 introduced the CompletableFuture API, which made it easier to write asynchronous code by allowing developers to chain multiple CompletableFuture instances together. Java 9 takes this further by introducing a new API called Promises. Promises are similar to CompletableFuture, but they have a few added features such as the ability to cancel a promise and the ability to handle errors. This new feature makes writing asynchronous code even more natural and straightforward.

3. JShell

JShell is a new command-line tool that lets developers spin up a Java 9 environment and execute Java code snippets without the need for a full-fledged IDE. With JShell, you can experiment with new features of Java 9, test out code snippets, and even prototype new ideas quickly. This tool is an excellent addition to the arsenal of any Java developer, making it easier and faster to test code and iterate on ideas.

4. Interface Private Methods

Java 9 allows the creation of private methods inside interfaces, which were not allowed in previous versions. This feature allows for more flexibility in interface design and better encapsulation of code. Private interface methods can be used to break down large interfaces into smaller, more manageable pieces, making them easier to understand and maintain.

5. Multi-Release JARs

Java 9 introduces the concept of multi-release JAR files, which can support different versions of Java. With the help of these JAR files, developers can provide different code for different versions of Java, enabling backward and forward compatibility across multiple versions of Java. Multi-release JARs allow developers to take advantage of the new features of Java 9 while still supporting older versions of Java.

6. Process API Improvements

Java 9 introduces a new set of classes and interfaces that provide better control over operating system processes. These new APIs allow developers to query and kill processes more efficiently, as well as manage their lifecycle more effectively. With these new features, developers can create more robust and reliable applications that can interact better with the operating system.

7. Stack Walking API

One of the most significant additions to Java 9 is the Stack Walking API. This new API allows developers to walk the stack trace of an application and extract all the necessary information from it. This feature can be incredibly useful in debugging and profiling applications, making it easier to understand how an application works and identify bottlenecks.

Conclusion

Java 9 brings many significant changes to the world of programming, making it a must-have for any developer looking to stay ahead of the game. From modularization to Promises and CompletableFuture, JShell, and interface private methods, Java 9 has a lot to offer to developers. With these new features and improvements, Java 9 promises to be a powerful tool for developers who want to develop and maintain high-performance, scalable, and robust applications.