What Are the Most Popular Java Features Since Java 8? A Quick Guide
This article walks Java developers from Java 8 to Java 17 through the most widely‑adopted language enhancements—including var, switch expressions, text blocks, records, pattern‑matching, sealed classes, and helpful NullPointerExceptions—explaining each feature with concise descriptions and code snippets.
From Java 8 (released in 2014) to Java 17 (released in 2021) the language has evolved rapidly, with Java 17 being a long‑term‑support (LTS) version that receives stable updates.
If you have been using Java 8 for a long time and want to catch up on the most popular new features, this guide is for you.
1. Local Variable Type Inference (var)
Introduced in Java 10, var lets you declare a local variable without explicitly specifying its type; the type is inferred from the initializer.
Example:
var list = new ArrayList<String>();Signed-in readers can open the original source through BestHub's protected redirect.
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