Oracle has officially released Java 24, the latest version of the world’s most widely used programming language and development platform. This milestone update introduces 24 JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPs) designed to maximize developer productivity, enhance platform stability and security, and accelerate the creation of AI-powered and enterprise-grade applications. The new features, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence and post-quantum cryptography, will take center stage at the upcoming JavaOne 2025 conference in Redwood Shores, California.
Key Language Enhancements: More Expressive, Powerful, and AI-Ready
Among the most significant updates in Java 24 is the second preview of Primitive Types in Patterns, instanceof, and switch (JEP 488). This advancement makes the Java language more uniform and expressive, allowing developers to handle primitive types seamlessly in pattern matching and control structures. It’s a critical enhancement for developers working with AI inference models, where performance and syntactic flexibility are paramount.
The Flexible Constructor Bodies (JEP 492), now in its third preview, introduces distinct prologue and epilogue phases in constructor bodies, simplifying the placement of initialization logic. This results in more reliable and maintainable code, especially in complex class hierarchies.
Additionally, Module Import Declarations (JEP 494) make it easier for developers to import all packages exported by a module without requiring modularization of their own code — a substantial boost for productivity and library integration.
Expanded Libraries and APIs for Streamlined Data Processing
Java 24 introduces the new Stream Gatherers API (JEP 485), enabling developers to define custom intermediate operations in streams. This enhancement simplifies complex data transformations and reduces the need for workarounds, allowing for cleaner, more maintainable stream pipelines — a critical feature for data-centric and AI-driven applications.
Scoped Values (JEP 487) and the fourth preview of Structured Concurrency (JEP 499) further enhance multi-threaded programming by providing robust structures for sharing immutable data and managing concurrent tasks as single units of work.
The ninth incubator of the Vector API (JEP 489) empowers developers to express vector computations that compile into CPU-level instructions, delivering exceptional performance for AI inference, financial modeling, and scientific computing.
Advancing Post-Quantum Security Readiness
Java 24 positions itself at the forefront of cybersecurity by integrating key post-quantum cryptography capabilities:
- Module-Lattice-Based Key Encapsulation Mechanism (JEP 496) and Digital Signature Algorithm (JEP 497) are both quantum-resistant and standardized by NIST, providing critical protection against future quantum computing threats.
- The Key Derivation Function API (JEP 478) adds an essential layer of cryptographic security, safeguarding data transmission and enhancing communication integrity.
Performance and Runtime Improvements for Enterprise Workloads
The Ahead-of-Time Class Loading and Linking (JEP 483) feature significantly reduces application startup times, benefiting everything from lightweight microservices to large enterprise systems.
Compact Object Headers (JEP 450) improve memory efficiency by reducing object header size, optimizing heap usage and enhancing deployment density in cloud and on-premises environments.
Enhancements to garbage collection, including Late Barrier Extension for G1 (JEP 475) and the removal of the non-generational mode in ZGC (JEP 490), further increase runtime efficiency and simplify JVM maintenance.
Strengthening Cloud Integration and AI Development
Java 24 seamlessly integrates with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), offering Oracle Java SE, Oracle GraalVM, and the Enterprise Performance Pack at no additional cost. This empowers developers to build and deploy applications with faster performance, lower costs, and optimized scalability.
The Java SE Universal Subscription provides enterprise-grade support, including access to advanced features in the Java Management Service and entitlement to Oracle GraalVM — giving organizations the flexibility to evolve their Java environments as business demands change.
Expert Endorsements from the Java Community
Frank Greco, chair of NYJavaSIG, highlighted the role of the Vector API in advancing predictive and generative AI solutions. Richard Fichtner, CEO of XDEV Software GmbH, praised Stream Gatherers for simplifying complex stream processing and improving readability.
Jeanne Boyarsky from CodeRanch emphasized the impact of flexible constructors on simplifying constructor logic, while JetBrains confirmed day-one support for Java 24 in IntelliJ IDEA, reaffirming their commitment to keeping developers aligned with the latest platform enhancements.
Java 24: Powering the Next Generation of Enterprise Innovation
With robust features that address the needs of developers, enterprises, and emerging AI applications, Java 24 is set to transform industries including finance, healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, and cloud computing. Oracle’s predictable six-month release cadence ensures continuous innovation and long-term support for mission-critical applications.
Developer Resources
- Download Oracle JDK 24: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/jdk24-archive-downloads.html
- Dev.java — Official Learning Portal: https://dev.java
- Inside.java Blog: https://inside.java
- JavaOne 2025 Conference Details: https://www.oracle.com/java/javaone/
