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Exploring JDK 24: Features, Architecture & Getting Started

vijay k

What is JDK 24?

JDK 24 (Java Development Kit 24) is the latest release of the Java Platform, Standard Edition, delivered by Oracle and the OpenJDK community. Released in March 2025, JDK 24 is a non-LTS (Long-Term Support) version, part of the six-month release cadence initiated by Oracle since JDK 9.

This version introduces performance enhancements, preview features, and language/runtime improvements aimed at modernizing Java for cloud-native, high-performance, and scalable application development.

JDK 24 continues to build on features from JDK 17 and JDK 21 (the latest LTS versions), making it ideal for developers wanting to experiment with cutting-edge Java capabilities or contribute to future production-ready features.

Major Use Cases of JDK 24

1. Modern Java Application Development

JDK 24 is suitable for developing web, mobile, enterprise, and microservices applications that leverage the latest Java enhancements, including better concurrency and memory efficiency.

2. Experimental and Preview Feature Adoption

Developers and teams interested in early access to Java’s evolving language features (e.g., unnamed classes, pattern matching refinements) use JDK 24 for prototyping.

3. Performance-Critical Systems

With updates to garbage collection, thread handling, and class loading, JDK 24 is valuable for systems requiring low-latency and high-throughput such as trading platforms or real-time analytics.

4. Cloud-Native Microservices

JDK 24 brings incremental improvements to native image generation (through GraalVM), container awareness, and memory management—making it ideal for Kubernetes-based services.

5. Open Source Contribution & Toolchain Testing

Java contributors, library authors, and framework maintainers use JDK 24 to test compatibility and readiness of their tools for future LTS versions.

How JDK 24 Works (Architecture Overview)

The architecture of JDK 24 follows the traditional Java SE architecture while introducing updated and optimized components.

1. Java Language Layer

  • Adds new language features (some as previews) like:
    • Refinements in record patterns
    • Further development of unnamed classes and instance main methods
    • Enhancements to switch pattern matching

2. JVM (Java Virtual Machine) Layer

  • Runs Java bytecode compiled by javac
  • Implements Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, Garbage Collection (GC), and Thread scheduling

JDK 24 Enhancements:

  • Improved ZGC (Z Garbage Collector) for ultra-low pause times
  • Optimized Virtual Threads (Project Loom) handling
  • Better native memory tracking

3. Core Libraries

  • The java.base module and others are updated with:
    • Faster collections operations
    • Improved standard APIs
    • More integration with pattern matching and sealed classes

4. Native Interface & Tooling

  • JDK 24 integrates well with native code through JNI (Java Native Interface)
  • Improved debugging, monitoring (JFR), and profiling tools

5. Modules System

  • Continues modularization introduced in JDK 9
  • Applications can be compiled into self-contained runtime images using jlink

Basic Workflow of JDK 24

A typical development workflow using JDK 24 follows these steps:

  1. Write Code
    • Develop Java code using new syntax features (e.g., pattern matching, records).
  2. Compile with javac
    • Use javac from JDK 24 to compile .java files: javac --enable-preview --release 24 MyApp.java
  3. Run the Application
    • Execute the compiled program with: java --enable-preview MyApp
  4. Use JDK Tools
    • Tools like javadoc, jlink, jshell, and jpackage are updated for JDK 24 and support preview features.
  5. Test and Profile
    • Use junit, JFR (Java Flight Recorder), and jcmd for runtime monitoring and profiling.

Step-by-Step Getting Started Guide for JDK 24

Step 1: Download and Install JDK 24

  • Visit the OpenJDK website or Oracle’s official downloads.
  • Choose the distribution for your OS (Linux, Windows, macOS).
  • Set the JAVA_HOME environment variable: export JAVA_HOME=/path/to/jdk-24 export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH

Step 2: Verify Installation

java -version

Expected Output:

java 24 2025-03-19
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 24+36)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 24+36, mixed mode)

Step 3: Write a Sample Java 24 Program

Create Main.java:

record Point(int x, int y) {}

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Point p = new Point(10, 20);
        System.out.println("Point: " + p);
    }
}

Compile and run using preview features:

javac --enable-preview --release 24 Main.java
java --enable-preview Main

Step 4: Explore New Features

Try features like:

  • Record Patterns
  • Pattern Matching in Switch
  • Unnamed Classes (Preview)
  • Virtual Threads (Preview from Project Loom)

Step 5: Use jshell for Interactive Testing

jshell --enable-preview

Then try:

record Point(int x, int y) {}
Point p = new Point(1, 2);
System.out.println(p.x());

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