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Java 21 (LTS)

Brief Release Summary​

Java 21 is the latest LTS release, finalizing virtual threads, pattern matching, and records. It represents a major milestone in Java's evolution with significant concurrency improvements and modern language features.

Release Date​

September 19, 2023

Key Features Released​

  • Virtual Threads (Standard) - Finalized lightweight threads for high-throughput concurrent applications
  • Sequenced Collections - New interfaces for ordered collections
  • Record Patterns (Standard) - Finalized pattern matching for records
  • Pattern Matching for switch (Standard) - Finalized pattern matching
  • String Templates (Preview) - String interpolation
  • Scoped Values (Preview) - Thread-local variables alternative
  • Structured Concurrency (Preview) - Simplified concurrent programming
  • Foreign Function & Memory API (Preview) - Native interop improvements
  • Key Encapsulation Mechanism API - Post-quantum cryptography
  • Generational ZGC - Improved garbage collection
  • Deprecate Windows 32-bit x86 Port - Platform cleanup

References​