Java 8 and Java 11 are two different versions of the Java programming language and platform.
Here's an overview of each version:
Java 8 (Java SE 8):
1. Release Date:
Java 8 was released in March 2014.
2. Lambda Expressions:
Java 8 introduced lambda expressions, which are a way to express instances of single-method interfaces (functional interfaces) using a concise syntax. This feature allows for more functional-style programming in Java.
3. Stream API:
The Stream API was introduced in Java 8, providing a powerful way to process sequences of data elements. It allows for operations like map, filter, and reduce, making it easier to work with collections of data.
4. Default Methods:
Java 8 introduced the concept of default methods in interfaces, allowing for backward compatibility and easier evolution of interfaces.
5. Method References:
Method references provide a way to refer to methods or constructors without invoking them. This is useful in lambda expressions.
6. Functional Interfaces:
Java 8 introduced the @FunctionalInterface annotation and several predefined functional interfaces, such as Predicate, Function, and Consumer.
7. Optional:
The Optional class was introduced to handle potentially nullable values and reduce the likelihood of null pointer exceptions.
8. New Date and Time API:
Java 8 introduced a new Date and Time API to address the shortcomings of the previous java.util.Date and java.util.Calendar classes.
9. Nashorn JavaScript Engine:
The Nashorn JavaScript engine replaced the previous Rhino engine for better JavaScript performance and integration.
10. Other Features:
Java 8 also included other enhancements and improvements, such as the CompletableFuture class for asynchronous programming, the java.util.Base64 class for Base64 encoding and decoding, and more.
Java 11 (Java SE 11):
1. Release Date:
Java 11 was released in September 2018.
2. Long-Term Support (LTS):
Java 11 is an LTS (Long-Term Support) release, which means it receives long-term support and updates from Oracle.
3. Local Variable Type Inference:
Java 11 introduced local variable type inference using the var keyword. This feature allows developers to declare local variables without explicitly specifying their types, making the code more concise.
4. HTTP Client:
Java 11 introduced a new, modern HTTP client API that supports both HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2. This API provides a more flexible and efficient way to make HTTP requests.
5. Epsilon Garbage Collector:
Java 11 introduced the Epsilon garbage collector, a no-op garbage collector that is useful for performance testing and scenarios where no memory management is required.
6. Enhancements and Bug Fixes:
Java 11 included various enhancements, bug fixes, and updates to the Java platform.
Both Java 8 and Java 11 brought significant improvements to the Java language and platform, with Java 8 introducing features like lambda expressions and the Stream API, while Java 11 focused on stability, performance, and modernization. The choice between Java 8 and Java 11 depends on factors like your application's requirements, support needs, and the features you want to leverage.
