Features in Java 8 That Will Change the Way You Code

As a widely used computer programming language, Java needs no introduction. The class-based and object-oriented programming language further enables developers to run the same code on multiple platforms without recompilation. Recently, Oracle released Java 8 with a set of new features, enhancements and bug fixes to complement the most recent trends in software development. Some of these features at the JVM and programming language level will even change the way you code.

Five Java 8 Features That Will Change the Way You Code

1) Lambada Expressions

Implementation of Lambada expressions is one of the most significant features of java 8. The dominant feature will make you change your coding habits. You can use the feature to use Java like other prominent functional programming languages. Also, the features make Java usable with functional JVM-based languages like Clojure and Scala. The Lambadas have further been integrated tightly into the core language libraries related to array and collection libraries. So the coding will be incorporated into the Java code written by both in-house and third-party developers.

2) Parallel Operations

Along with Lambada expressions, Java 8 also comes with a key concept to facilitate parallel operations. Often programmers are required to use loop operations to facilitate internal iteration. But Lambada expressions make it easier for them to carry on actual iteration over a collection. They can simply invoke a Lambada function to carry out the iteration through a core library. The function will act as an extension of iterators to extract the next item from a collection. You can avail the feature to sort, filter and map the items while the processing is carried on simultaneously by the framework.

3) New Date and Time API

Java 8 also comes with a completely revamped data and time API. The API allows developers to handle date and time in a natural, easier-to-understand and more natural way. Thus, now it becomes easier for you to avoid the complex native Java library API that was using conventionally to handle date and time. The most recent of Java further implements the data and tome API from scratch to facilitate clean operation to manipulate the values in a format that is readable by both humans and machines.

4) Nashhorn JavaScript Engine

Oracle has further integrated the Nashhorn JavaScript Engine into JDK. The Java applications can access the high performance yet lightweight engine through the existing APIs. You can avail the features to eliminate the gap between Java and JavaScript. While integrating JavaScript into your backend, you are no longer required to set up a node.js. The code can be executed simply by using the JVM. Thus, you are not required to use several IPC and RPC methods to bridge the gap between Java and JavaScript.

5) Concurrent Accumulators

Many developers find it a daunting to decide the right way to update numeric counters that are accessed simultaneously by multiple threads. A developer also has option to update the numeric counter through read/write locks, synchronized blocks or AtomicInteger. Each option requires the programmers to implement the semantics 100% accurately. But Java 8 makes it easier for you to update the numeric counters without any hassle by using the new concurrent accumulator classes. The concurrent accumulators can increase or decrease the value of the numeric counter in an efficient and thread safe manner. Further, you can use the class without worrying about the accuracy of semantics.

The most anticipated version of Java also comes with several security enhancements. You can use an advanced mechanism to replace the existing hand-maintained list of caller sensitive methods. In addition to identifying the methods accurately, the mechanism further makes their callers discoverable in a reliable and efficient way. You can get in touch with a Java web services development company who can help you develop applications that are stable, scalable and secure.

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