Why are they spewing Java versions so quickly? I have barely moved to 8 yet.
What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
11–20 of 136 posts
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#12One thing I find a bit disappointing is the focus on language features. Most of the effort in Java goes into the VM and libraries, while keeping the language conservative. This is because VM/library features have a much bigger impact on application quality, and more directly impact the application's users; moreover, it's a strategy that's proven quite successful -- HN notwithstanding, most developers don't like too m…
> One thing I find a bit disappointing is the focus on language features. Most of the effort in Java goes into the VM and libraries, while keeping the language conservative. This is because VM/library features have a much bigger impact on application quality, and more directly impact the application's users; moreover, it's a strategy that's proven quite successful.
I think people have taken note of the success of Kotlin, and decided that judiciously chosen language features will help user retention/adoption.
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#13Why are they spewing Java versions so quickly? I have barely moved to 8 yet.
Java moved to a six-months release cycle in 2017: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_version_history
Java 8 had its end-of-life for commercial usage in january 2019. The new long term release is Java 11.
Time to move on for you.
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#14Why are they spewing Java versions so quickly? I have barely moved to 8 yet.
They recently moved to the same version model as Firefox, Chrome, and others have: Major version bump at a regular cadence. They used point releases before: there are a few Java 8 versions.
They still used to gate bigger language changes on major version releases, so upgrading point releases to major versions at a 6 month cadence let's changes roll out more as they're done.
Iiuc they're treating every third version as a candidate for LTS versions depending on your vendor. So people who for features are excited for every release, but those care for a little extra stability care about 8, 11, 14 etc.
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#15Why are they spewing Java versions so quickly? I have barely moved to 8 yet.
Java moved to a six-months release cycle in 2017: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_version_history Java 8 had its end-of-life for commercial usage in january 2019. The new long term release is Java 11. Time to move on for you.
Not really. The real world seems to move much slower. I'm not sure if Android even fully supports 8 yet.
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#16One thing I find a bit disappointing is the focus on language features. Most of the effort in Java goes into the VM and libraries, while keeping the language conservative. This is because VM/library features have a much bigger impact on application quality, and more directly impact the application's users; moreover, it's a strategy that's proven quite successful -- HN notwithstanding, most developers don't like too m…
I agree. I find the VM stuff the most facinating too, but I think you're underestimating the incredible impact language changes have had and continue to.
Language changes don't aren't just bells and whistles. Lambdas changed how nearly every API works and record types have the opportunity to make a huge difference. Sure var was smaller, but it's been refreshing.
I also think you're underselling how conservative the old minor patches used to be. With major versions this frequent LTS atleast sets a reasonable cadence for planning and movement. 6 months is hectic.
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#17One thing I find a bit disappointing is the focus on language features. Most of the effort in Java goes into the VM and libraries, while keeping the language conservative. This is because VM/library features have a much bigger impact on application quality, and more directly impact the application's users; moreover, it's a strategy that's proven quite successful -- HN notwithstanding, most developers don't like too m…
> One thing I find a bit disappointing is the focus on language features
Overall, I wouldn't underestimate the importance of syntax features. After all, if a developer likes writing your language, they'll more likely choose it over a different language.
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#18Why are they spewing Java versions so quickly? I have barely moved to 8 yet.
Java moved to a six-months release cycle in 2017: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_version_history Java 8 had its end-of-life for commercial usage in january 2019. The new long term release is Java 11. Time to move on for you.
Some companies spend longer than six months to discuss/agree to a 'major version upgrade' of software.
Naturally the gap between (say) Java 10 and 11 is fairly small, meaning it shouldn't take many months to merely discuss an upgrade - but not all companies have got round to the regular-release way of thinking.
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#19Earlier quoted context omitted.
Java moved to a six-months release cycle in 2017: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_version_history Java 8 had its end-of-life for commercial usage in january 2019. The new long term release is Java 11. Time to move on for you.
Some companies spend longer than six months to discuss/agree to a 'major version upgrade' of software. Naturally the gap between (say) Java 10 and 11 is fairly small, meaning it shouldn't take many months to merely discuss an upgrade - but not all companies have got round to the regular-release way of thinking.
I thought the whole point of backward compatible versions, is that you don't discuss, you just move.
Re: What's new in Java 12, 13 and 14
#20Pattern matching in switch statements (calling them match statements would then be more fitting), a nice way to deal with nulls, and proper sum types (aka tagged unions, like enums in Rust) and Java would be pretty up-to-date.
Oooh that's a good idea. Does that already exist in other languages? I've not seen it before.