Why Java 12's New Features May Not Be Worth The Upgrade

Java is one of the most popular programming languages globally, giving developers a robust platform for building applications across various domains. With its rich history and consistent updates, it is natural for developers to eagerly await new releases. However, with each new version, such as Java 12, the question arises: are the new features compelling enough for developers to upgrade? In this article, we will explore the key features introduced in Java 12 and delve into why these may not be worth the upgrade for every development team.

Overview of Java 12 Enhancements

Java 12, released in March 2019, introduced several new features and improvements, catching the attention of the Java community. The significant enhancements included:

JEP 189: Shenandoah - A Low-Pause-Time Garbage Collector
JEP 230: Microbenchmark Suite
JEP 325: Switch Expressions (Preview)
JEP 340: One AArch64 Port, Not Two
JEP 344: Abortable Mixed Collections for G1

These features aimed to enhance performance, memory management, and developer productivity. However, are they substantial enough to warrant an upgrade from previous versions?

1. Shenandoah: Low-Pause-Time Garbage Collector

Shenandoah is a new garbage collector designed to meet the challenges of low-latency applications, primarily by reducing pause times during garbage collection.

// Enabling Shenandoah GC
-XX:+UseShenandoahGC

Why Consider Shenandoah?

Low-pause-time garbage collection is crucial for applications with time-sensitive operations, such as online trading platforms or video streaming services. It's designed to minimize latency, allowing for smoother performance.

The Catch

However, not all applications require such stringent latency requirements. If your application handles infrequent or less critical operations, the traditional garbage collectors like G1 or ParallelGC may suffice. Switching to Shenandoah could introduce complexity and might not provide noticeable benefits.

2. Microbenchmark Suite

The Microbenchmark Suite, introduced in JEP 230, gives developers tools to measure the performance of applications more accurately.

// Example of a microbenchmark using JMH
@Benchmark
public void testMethod() {
    // Code to benchmark
}

The Advantages

Performance benchmarking is essential in identifying bottlenecks. JMH (Java Microbenchmark Harness) allows developers to write reliable microbenchmarks and improve application performance.

The Limitations

For many teams, performance testing might already be handled through existing tools and frameworks. The need to adopt new methodologies and tools may not be justified if current practices yield satisfactory results. Moreover, improper usage of microbenchmarks can lead to misleading insights, complicating the decision to upgrade.

3. Switch Expressions (Preview)

Switch statements in Java have long been a source of confusion due to their verbosity. Java 12 introduced switch expressions (currently in preview), which simplify the syntax and improve readability.

// A switch expression in Java 12
String dayType = switch (day) {
    case MONDAY, FRIDAY, SUNDAY -> "Weekend";
    case TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY -> "Weekday";
};

Why Embrace Switch Expressions?

These expressions allow you to use case as an expression, thereby making it easier to return values without excessive boilerplate code. This can enhance readability and maintainability of the code.

A Word of Caution

Since the switch expression feature is marked as a preview, its behavior may change in future releases. If your project demands stability or operates in a production environment critical enough to resist potential changes, you may want to wait before adopting this feature.

4. AArch64 Port

Java 12 also consolidated the AArch64 Architecture port to reduce maintenance overhead.

The Outcome

The significance of this change primarily affects developers working on ARM-based systems. This consolidation allows for more optimized performance on ARM hardware, which is gaining traction in enterprise environments.

But What About Legacy Support?

If your development environment primarily revolves around x86 architecture, this feature holds little to no value. The maintenance of legacy systems on x86 may not warrant a shift towards ARM without clear incentives.

5. Abortable Mixed Collections for G1

Mixed collections in the G1 garbage collector allow for more aggressive memory management but can be resource-intensive.

New Option

Java 12 introduced abortable mixed collections, which let G1 stop mixed collections if memory usage is low, improving overall performance.

Is It Necessary?

For most applications, the default behavior of G1 should suffice. Unless your application is suffering from memory pressure or frequent pauses, the upgrade may not be justifiable.

Closing the Chapter: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Now that we’ve explored the new features of Java 12, the critical question remains: Is upgrading worthwhile?

The Takeaway

Garbage Collection Needs: If your application doesn’t have stringent latency requirements, the new garbage collector might just add unnecessary complexity.
Performance Testing: Unless your current performance testing strategies prove inadequate, the new microbenchmark suite may not provide substantial benefits.
Syntax Changes: Switch expressions may improve readability, but their provisional status implies potential instability.
Porting Concerns: For legacy applications, the benefits may be far outweighed by the risks involved in changing environments.
Server Architecture: If your infrastructure does not involve ARM architecture, the consolidated AArch64 port offers minimal advantages.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to Java 12 might not be a panacea for all teams and applications. Careful evaluation aligned with your project's specific needs and goals is essential. The decision to upgrade should be driven by tangible benefits relevant to your team rather than the allure of new features.

For further detailed insights on Java updates and features, consider exploring the official Java documentation and Oracle's Java blog for ongoing updates.

This analysis aims to facilitate informed decisions about upgrading to Java 12. By assessing each new feature carefully, developers and teams can ensure that their choices align with their operational needs, ultimately maximizing their productivity and project outcomes.