Thinking Beyond Java 8

Java 9 to 17 Step by Step: Modules, var, Records, Sealed Classes & More

Java has changed more since Java 9 than at any time in its history.  From modules and `var` to records, sealed classes, text blocks, and switch expressions — the language is evolving fast, and keeping up can be a challenge.

This course gives you a step-by-step path from Java 9 through Java 17, making it simple to catch up with all the modern features while building confidence through hands-on exercises.

By the end of this course, you will: 

• Understand how Java has evolved beyond Java 8 

• Master new language features like modules, var, records, sealed classes, text blocks, and switch expressions 

• Explore new garbage collectors, library enhancements, tools, and deprecations 

• Learn how the new JDK release cycle impacts developers 

• Gain confidence with practical exercises and solutions

• Be better prepared for interviews and real-world projects

  
  

Starting from Java 9, we will incrementally move up to Java 17 and explore :

Language Features, Garbage Collectors, Library enhancements, Tools, Removals and Deprecations, and a lot more.

We target a single Java release in every section.

Some of the topics covered -

• Text Blocks, Switch Expressions, Records, Pattern Matching for instanceof, Pattern Matching for switch, Sealed Classes

• Garbage Collectors - G1, Epsilon, ZGC, Shenandoah

• Modularity, jdeps, jlink, jdeprscan

• Improved Docker Container Detection

• Tool/Toolkit - Jpackage, JShell, JDK Flight Recorder

• Factory methods in Collections

• Compact Strings

• Understand how String concatenation works behind the scenes

• Some of the changes in the Stream API

• Local Variable Type Inference along with recommendations on usage

• Application Class Data Sharing

• The new HTTP Client API

• Handy String API changes

• Writing scripts using the Java programming language

• Teeing Collector

• JMH (Java Microbenchmark Harness)

• Encapsulated JDK internals

• Tips on Migration (Examples on JAXB, Hibernate, and Spring Boot)

      and more!

Now includes a downloadable PDF guide on the Java Flow API (Java 9+) — a beginner-friendly reference that explains the core reactive programming interfaces with clear examples and key takeaways. This bonus resource strengthens your understanding and helps with interview preparation.

The course will immensely benefit Java developers interested in getting up to speed with the ever-evolving Java language.

There are lots of exercises (along with the solution) that will help you to gain confidence.

The course is not a migration guide but we do cover numerous areas that can have an impact on migration.

What if you have questions?

I offer full support, 7 days a week, answering any questions you have.