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Java 18 Features Intro

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☕ Java 18 – The Feature Drop You Didn't Know You Needed 😎​

📅 Release Date: March 22, 2022
💡 Theme: Cleaner, simpler, faster – and just a touch experimental

Java 18 burst onto the scene like that one friend who shows up with nine new party tricks and a web server in their backpack. Whether you're a seasoned dev or just here for the code snacks, there’s something in this release for everyone.

🎁 What's in the Java 18 Gift Basket?​

There are 9 new developer features, including a Simple Web Server (yes, you read that right – simple, not Spring Boot-sized) and another round of Pattern Matching for switch (still trying to get it right, apparently).

Below are the 14 JEPs bundled with Java 18:

JEP 400: 🌐 UTF-8 by Default​

Java said, “Why are we still guessing encodings?”
Now, UTF-8 is the default charset for Java source files, property files, and more – no matter where you are on Earth or in the multiverse.

JEP 408: 📦 Simple Web Server​

Want a basic file server without dragging in Apache or Nginx?
Introducing SimpleFileServer – your no-setup, no-fuss HTTP file server.

# One-liner server magic
$ jwebserver

Perfect for testing, demos, or when you just want to feel like a hacker.

JEP 413: 📚 Code Snippets in Java API Documentation​

You can now embed working code snippets in your Javadoc using @snippet tags.

/**
 * This method does a thing.
 * {@snippet :
 *   var list = List.of("Java", "18");
 *   list.forEach(System.out::println);
 * }
 */

Because real devs read the docs (sometimes).

JEP 416: 🧠 Reimplement Core Reflection with Method Handles​

Under the hood, Java has swapped out some dusty old internals in reflection for faster, more modern MethodHandles. No change to your code, just faster black magic.

JEP 417: 🧮 Vector API (Third Incubator)​

Yes, Vector API is still incubating – but now with even better support for vector computations. If you're doing low-level math stuff, this one’s for you.

Faster math, happier CPU, more bragging rights.

JEP 418: 🌍 Internet-Address Resolution SPI​

You can now plug in your own DNS resolver! Whether you're building privacy tools, testing network code, or just like reinventing the wheel – Java's got you.

Finally, you don’t have to trust your OS’s DNS. Your move, hackers. 🔒

JEP 419: 🧠 Foreign Function & Memory API (Second Incubator)​

Still in incubation, but now more powerful and stable. This API lets Java talk to native libraries without JNI. Yes, without JNI.

Use native code like a civilized person, without sacrificing your sanity.

JEP 420: 🔄 Pattern Matching for switch (Second Preview)​

The switch statement keeps evolving like a Pokémon. You can now use pattern matching with types in switch.

switch (obj) {
    case String s -> System.out.println("Text: " + s);
    case Integer i -> System.out.println("Number: " + i);
    default -> System.out.println("Unknown type");
}

One step closer to writing clean, expressive code in Java. Just imagine!

JEP 421: 🪦 Deprecate Finalization for Removal​

Java’s long-term breakup with finalizers continues. This JEP formally deprecates them with intent to remove.

Pro tip: Use try-with-resources and Cleaner instead. Finalizers were never cool.

🏁 Final Thoughts​

Java 18 might not be an LTS, but it’s like a tech-savvy cousin who drops in with cool toys and performance upgrades. From a built-in web server to better native integration and smarter pattern matching – this release is a developer playground.

🚀 Pro Move: Try out Java 18 in a side project. You’ll get all the fun with none of the commitment (until the next LTS).

🎉 Happy Coding!