JAVA 11 vs JAVA 17 : A Feature Comparison

Comparison between Java 11 and Java 17

Introduction:

Java, a versatile and widely-used programming language, has evolved significantly over the years. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Java 17 and Java 11.

1. Support and Long-Term Stability

• Java 11:
  - An LTS (Long Term Support) version.
  - Supported until September 2023 (with extended support until September 2026).
  - Ideal for stable, long-lasting projects.
• Java 17:
  - Not an LTS version.
  - Continues to receive updates and security patches.
  - Suitable for projects that require cutting-edge features.

2. Text Blocks

• Java 11:
  - No native support for text blocks.
  - Developers often use concatenation or escape characters for multiline strings.
• Java 17:
  - Introduces text blocks (triple-quoted strings).
  - Improves code readability for large text content.
  Example:

String json = """
    {
        "name": "John Doe",
        "age": 30,
        "address": "123 Main St"
    }
    """;

3. Switch Expressions

• Java 11:
  - Basic switch statements.
  - Limited expressiveness.
• Java 17:
  - Enhanced switch expressions.
  - Simplifies code with concise syntax.
  Example:

String result = switch (dayOfWeek) {
    case MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY -> "Weekday";
    case THURSDAY, FRIDAY -> "Almost weekend";
    default -> "Weekend";
};

Conclusion

Choose the version that aligns with your project’s requirements. Whether you prioritize stability (Java 11) or want to leverage the latest features (Java 17), both versions have their merits.

Remember to verify the official documentation for detailed information on each feature. Happy coding!

References:

JDK 11 Documentation - Home

JDK 17 Documentation - Home