Oracle releases Java 24 with enhanced AI and Security features

Oracle has officially announced the release of Java 24 (JDK 24), the latest iteration of the world’s most widely used programming language and development platform. This release introduces 24 JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPs), focusing on improved developer productivity, AI capabilities, post-quantum cryptography, and enhanced performance, stability, and security.

What’s New in Java 24?

Java 24 introduces significant updates across language features, security, performance, and AI integration. Some of the most notable additions include:

• Primitive Types in Patterns and Switch (JEP 488 - Second Preview): Expands pattern matching and switch expressions to support primitive data types, increasing efficiency in AI-based applications.
• Flexible Constructor Bodies (JEP 492 - Third Preview): Simplifies object initialization by introducing prologue and epilogue phases, making Java code more reliable.
• Module Import Declarations (JEP 494 - Second Preview): Allows developers to import all packages from a module easily, streamlining modular programming.
• Simple Source Files & Instance Main Methods (JEP 495 - Fourth Preview): Provides a beginner-friendly way to write Java programs without requiring complex setup.
• Vector API (JEP 489 - Ninth Incubator): Enhances vector computations for AI and data-intensive applications, significantly improving performance for AI inferencing and analytics.
• Stream Gatherers (JEP 485): Introduces new ways to process data streams, benefiting data science and AI-driven applications.
• Key Derivation Function API (JEP 478 - Preview): Strengthens cryptographic security for data protection in transit.
• Quantum-Resistant Cryptography (JEPs 496, 497): Implements post-quantum security measures using Module-Lattice-Based Key Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM) and Digital Signature Algorithm (ML-DSA) to safeguard sensitive data.
• Ahead-of-Time Class Loading (JEP 483): Speeds up Java application startup times by preloading commonly used classes.
• Compact Object Headers (JEP 450 - Experimental): Reduces object header size, improving memory efficiency and application performance.
• Generational Shenandoah GC (JEP 404 - Experimental): Improves garbage collection, optimizing resource management in high-load enterprise applications.

Why It Matters?

With Java approaching its 30th anniversary, this latest release reaffirms Oracle’s commitment to innovation, security, and developer productivity.

"Over the past 30 years, Java has provided developers with a comprehensive platform to build and deploy applications across diverse industries," said Georges Saab, Senior Vice President, Oracle Java Platform. "Java 24 brings more than 20 new features, including AI support and post-quantum cryptography, making it easier for developers to create AI-powered, secure, and scalable applications."

Enterprise Adoption and Java in the Cloud

Java 24 is optimized for deployment on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), which is one of the first hyperscale clouds to support this release. Oracle is offering Java SE, Oracle GraalVM, and Java SE Subscription Enterprise Performance Pack on OCI at no additional cost, ensuring businesses can run Java applications faster and more securely.

What’s Next?

The JavaOne 2025 conference will serve as a platform for developers and businesses to explore the full potential of Java 24’s AI and cryptographic capabilities. With its six-month release cycle, Oracle continues to enhance Java to meet the evolving needs of the developer community.

Java remains the top choice for enterprise applications, and with Java 24, developers have more tools to create secure, high-performance, and AI-powered applications at scale.