Top 5 Features of Java 13: Every Programmer Must Know

Introduction

Java, a high-level programming language, used for general-purpose, is developed by Sun Microsystems. It was first developed by a small team of engineers, called the Green Team, in the year 1991. It is the most popular programming language among developers. 95% of organizations use Java as the primary programming language. Until September 2019, various Java 8 features made it the most commonly used version of Java. Let’s look into Java 13.

In September 2019, Sun Microsystems launched a new Java version called Java 13 or Java Development Kit (JDK) 13. This new version has Java features that are improved and better than the Java 9 features.

Let’s take a look at what the blog covers –

1. Benefits of Java 13
2. 5 Features of Java 13

So what are these new Java features that give Java 13 an advantageous edge over Java 11 features and Java 8 new features? Before diving into these Java features of Java 13, let’s look at some of the benefits of Java 13.

1. Benefits of Java 13

1. It has a better API for optional class, making it easier to use.
2. It has improved Java features like Predicate classes that allow making Predicates chains easier.
3. Its new Java 13 features are capable of collecting unmodifiable collections from streams.
4. Its ‘Text Blocks’ feature is excellent for packaging and deploying only the selected JDK that is significant for deployment.
5. Reimplementation of the legacy socket API.

These Java 13 Features give this version more weight over other benefits that Java 8 new features offer.

2. Top 5 Features of Java 13

Java Development Kit (JDK) 13 is the version of standard Java, which comes with some specialized Java features like Z Garbage Collector enhancements, application class-data sharing, and previews of switch expressions and text blocks. In this article, we’ll take a little closer look at these features. So, let’s begin.

1. Switch Expressions (JEP 354): Java 13 has implemented new Java features in its preview mode. This feature allows developers to evaluate if a program is ready or not. Switch Expressions (JEP 354) is built on Java 12 features by implementing a new yield statement. 
2. Text Blocks (JEP 355): The text block is another Java feature that has been added in the preview section. The text block is a multi-line string literal that avoids the requirement for escape sequences. A text block naturally organizes the string in an anticipated way and gives designers authority over the organization. A subsequent objective is to upgrade the intelligibility of strings in programs, which signify code written in non-Java dialects. This gives it an upper hand on Java 11 features, Java 8 features, and Java 7 features.
3. Dynamic CDS Archives (JEP 350): Expanding Application Class-Information Sharing (AppCDS) is used to empower dynamic documenting of classes toward the end of utilization execution. Classes recorded in chronological order would incorporate all stacked applications and the library classes, which remain absent in the default, base-layer CDS document. This proposition, which is the focus, is expected to improve the use of AppCDS and dispose of clients’ requirements to make preliminary attempts while making a class list for every application. Thus, it makes JAVA 13 more efficient than Java 12 features, Java 11 features, Java 8 features, and Java 7 features.
4. ZGC Uncommit Unused Memory (JEP 351): Upgrades in the ZGC (Z Garbage Collector) to restore unused memory to the operating system. ZGC, which is charged as an adaptable, low-inactivity authority, initially doesn’t restore unused memory to the OS regardless of whether the memory has not been utilized in quite a while. This Java feature isn’t ideal for certain applications and situations, particularly those where memory impression is a worry. For example, holders or conditions where an application may be inert for quite a while and is sharing or going after assets with different applications. Presently, it has been improved to restore the unused memory to the operating system, which was not available in Java 12 features.
5. Reimplement the Legacy Socket API (JEP 353): The replacement of the underlying implementation used by the java.net.Socket and java.net.ServerSocket APIs with a simpler and more modern implementation, which is easier to debug and maintain, is another great feature. The new application is expected to adjust to working with client mode strings, otherwise called filaments, which are being investigated in Project Loom. The previously mentioned heritage APIs go back to Java 10 new features and contain a blend of legacy C and Java code portrayed as difficult to troubleshoot and organize. Likewise, the legacy execution has different issues like a native data structure to support asynchronous close, causing reliability and porting issues.

Conclusion

This article lists the top 5 features of Java 13 or Java Development Kit (JDK) 13 that every programmer must know. These enhancements can bring some significant code reduction due to smaller size and decline in distributed computing force and expenses.

If you wish to enhance your software developing skills and build proficiency in this high-level language, check out our Master Certificate In Full Stack Development program. This online 170-hour-long course is the first & only program on Full Stack Development with Automation and AWS Cloud and is highly in demand among Full Stack learners.