What's New In Java (Live): Simplicity and Vector API

Java is becoming easier to start with while continuing to push performance forward. This session explores features that simplify how programs are written and executed, as well as APIs that enable more efficient use of modern hardware.

We will cover Simple Source Files and Instance Main Methods, Launching Multi-File Source-Code Programs, the built-in Java WebServer, Value Objects, and the Vector API. These features make it possible to write lightweight applications with minimal setup while still leveraging Java’s performance.

This session focuses on features that reduce the barrier to writing and running Java programs, while also introducing tools for building efficient and high-performance applications.

We begin with Simple Source Files and Instance Main Methods, which remove much of the traditional ceremony required to start a Java program. Developers can write code more directly, making Java more approachable for quick tasks, scripting, and teaching.

Next, we explore Launching Multi-File Source-Code Programs, which allows multiple source files to be executed without a separate compilation step. This enables more realistic applications to be built and run with minimal setup, bridging the gap between simple scripts and structured programs.

We then look at the Java WebServer, a lightweight built-in server for serving content and testing applications locally. This feature makes it easy to spin up a simple server without external dependencies.

After that, we introduce Value Objects, which represent identity-free data and improve both correctness and performance. By focusing on immutable, value-based design, developers can write code that is easier to reason about and better aligned with modern JVM optimizations.

Finally, we examine the Vector API, which provides access to hardware-level optimizations for numerical and data-parallel operations. This allows developers to write code that leverages SIMD capabilities while remaining within the Java ecosystem.

By the end of the session, attendees will understand how Java supports both rapid development and high performance, and how these features can be combined to build applications that are simple, efficient, and modern.

About Daniel Hinojosa

Daniel is a programmer, consultant, instructor, speaker, and recent author. With over 20 years of experience, he does work for private, educational, and government institutions. He is also currently a speaker for No Fluff Just Stuff tour. Daniel loves JVM languages like Java, Groovy, and Scala; but also dabbles with non JVM languages like Haskell, Ruby, Python, LISP, C, C++. He is an avid Pomodoro Technique Practitioner and makes every attempt to learn a new programming language every year. For downtime, he enjoys reading, swimming, Legos, football, and barbecuing.

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