How to upgrade from Java 8 to Java 17?
In this article, we will be talking about how to migrate from an existing backend application that is running on Java 8 to Java 17. These days, due to no support for Java 8, a lot of companies want to migrate to a newer version of Java.
Migrating an application from Java 8 to Java 17 involves several steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:
Understand the Java 8 to Java 17 changes:
Before going ahead with the migration we should be making ourself familiarize ourselves with the new features, language enhancements, and changes introduced in Java versions between Java 8 and Java 17. This will help you understand the impact on your existing codebase and identify areas that require modification.
Assess compatibility
Evaluate your current codebase, libraries, and dependencies to identify any potential compatibility issues with Java 17. Some libraries or APIs may have been deprecated or removed in newer versions, so ensure that all the external dependencies are compatible with Java 17.
For example Java 8 datetime APIs deprecated in Java 17 and it has been replaced with newer API’s
Update dependencies
Upgrade any third-party libraries, frameworks, or tools that your application relies on to versions compatible with Java 17. Check the documentation and release notes of each library to understand any changes or updates necessary for compatibility.
Let's say in our application commonly used libraries are
Jackson, Guava, Apache Commons, Hibernate, Spring Framework, JUnit, Apache Kafka, SLF4J, Google Guice, Apache HttpClient.
We have to take care of the compatibility of these libraries.
Update deprecated APIs
Review your code for any deprecated APIs that are no longer supported in Java 17. Replace them with their recommended alternatives or updated equivalents to ensure a smooth migration.
for example, we are using JDBC drivers till Java 8 which is now deprecated and replaced with the ServiceLoader mechanism.
Update language features
Java 17 introduced several language enhancements and new features. Assess your codebase to take advantage of these features and modify your code accordingly. For example, you may consider using the new switch expressions, pattern matching, or sealed classes where applicable.
Instead of Stream API, Sealed classes are introduced, Similarly, Optional classes are replaced with Record and Lambda expressions with Pattern matching for switch statements.
Test thoroughly
Before deploying the migrated application, thoroughly test it to ensure that it functions correctly with Java 17. Pay attention to any areas where changes were made or deprecated features were replaced, and conduct comprehensive testing to validate the application’s behavior.
Performance optimization
Consider optimizing your application’s performance by leveraging new performance-related features or improvements introduced in Java 17. These optimizations can help enhance the overall efficiency and responsiveness of your application.
Performance-wise Java 17 is Enhanced with Garbage Collection Algorithms.
Conclusion
There is a strong reason to migrate to Java 17 as Oracle has stopped support for Java8 and for Java 17 they will support and updates for Java SE, including bug fixes, security patches, and feature enhancements.
The license terms and conditions provide permission to use Java 17 without any cost.
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