JDK 25: The new features in Java 25

 Java Development Kit (JDK) 25, scheduled for release in September 2025, is set to introduce several significant enhancements. Here's an overview of the notable features:

1. Stable Values API (Preview): This feature introduces stable values—objects holding immutable data treated as constants by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). By allowing greater flexibility in initialization timing compared to final fields, stable values aim to improve application startup times. They enable performance optimizations akin to constant-folding, previously exclusive to JDK code, and ensure thread-safe, single-time initialization. This decouples the creation of stable values from their initialization without significant performance penalties. 

2. Removal of 32-bit x86 Port: JDK 25 plans to eliminate both the source code and build support for the 32-bit x86 port, which was deprecated in JDK 24. Maintaining this port has become less beneficial, especially with the challenges in keeping it updated with new features like the foreign function memory API. Its removal is expected to streamline development and accelerate the introduction of new enhancements. 

3. Potential Inclusions from JDK 24 Previews: Features previewed in JDK 24 may become permanent in JDK 25, including:

Key Derivation Function API: Introduces an API for key derivation functions, enhancing cryptographic operations.

Scoped Values: Provides a mechanism for defining values confined to a specific scope, improving code modularity and safety.

Structured Concurrency: Simplifies concurrent programming by treating multiple tasks as a single unit, making it easier to manage and debug.

Flexible Constructor Bodies: Allows more flexibility in constructor definitions, offering developers greater control over object instantiation.

Module Import Declarations: Enhances the module system by allowing more explicit and flexible module dependencies, improving code maintainability.

These features aim to bolster Java's performance, security, and developer productivity, reinforcing its position as a leading programming language.