Java 8 and Java 11 are two widely used Java versions released by Oracle in 2014 and 2018, respectively. This article explains their features, requirements, and key differences in a simple and beginner-friendly manner.
Java 8
Java 8 is considered a revolutionary release of Java as it introduced major language and API enhancements. Even today, a large number of enterprise applications still run on Java 8.
System Requirements for Java 8
- RAM: 128 MB or more
- Disk Space: 124 MB for JRE
- Java Updates: 2 MB
- CPU: Pentium 2, minimum 266 MHz
Key Features of Java 8
- Introduction of Lambda Expressions
- Stream API for functional-style operations
- Improved performance and productivity
- Strong security features
- Open and community-driven platform
- Commercial licensing available from Oracle
Java 11
Java 11 is a Long-Term Support (LTS) release and an open-source implementation of the Java Platform. It focuses on performance improvements, security enhancements, and removal of outdated modules.
System Requirements for Java 11
- CPU: Quad-core 2.40 GHz
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 250 MB minimum (excluding application data)
Key Features of Java 11
- Ability to run a single Java source file without explicit compilation
- New HTTP Client API
- Support for Unicode 10
- Nest-based access control
- Improved garbage collection
- Removal of deprecated tools like Appletviewer and JavaFX from JDK
- Long-term updates for at least 8 years
Difference Between Java 8 and Java 11
Feature | Java 8 | Java 11 |
|---|---|---|
Release Year | 2014 | 2018 |
Appletviewer | Available | Removed |
String Methods | Limited | Added isBlank(), lines(), repeat() |
Lambda Expressions | No var usage | var allowed |
Java Deployment | Available | Removed |
Pattern Matching | Not available | asMatchPredicate() supported |
Garbage Collection | Basic GC | Improved GC |
TLS Version | TLS 1.2 | TLS 1.3 |
Security | Less secure | More secure |
Modularity | Not supported | Supported |
var Keyword | Not available | Available |
AWTUtilities | Available (not recommended) | Removed |
JavaFX & JMC | Available | Removed |
File Handling | Limited support | readString(), writeString(), isSameFile() |
Performance | Good | Better and optimized |
