Bring your Java skills up to date and discover the full diversity of modern Java! This book guides you step by step through the most important new features up to the current Java 25 LTS, while also drawing on proven highlights from earlier versions.

It covers numerous language and syntax improvements, such as switch extensions, records, and text blocks. We also take a look at new API functions related to streams, strings, virtual threads, structured concurrency, and much more. One focus is on the increasingly popular pattern matching, especially in combination with record patterns.

The book is rounded off with practical exercises and detailed sample solutions to help you consolidate what you have learned.

• Trace Java’s evolution up to version 25 LTS.
• Describe key language features like switch, records, and text blocks.
• Explore pattern matching and record patterns in depth.
• Assess enhancements in streams and stream gatherer.
• Apply virtual threads and structured concurrency.
• Use modern Java features in practical coding scenarios.
• Identify hidden gems from earlier Java releases.