Java is a popular programming language that supports web applications and interfaces from the back-end. It is embedded with several capabilities that enable enterprise-grade servers and systems to function and communicate seamlessly with the Internet. Online banking, credit card payments, embedded devices connectivity, etc. are made possible with the help of Java platform.

Developed by Sun Microsystems and later acquired by Oracle, Java SE 8 is one of the leading programming platforms for creating cross-platform applications that can run on several interfaces including desktops, mobile devices, and servers. With the oncoming of Internet of Things, Java will become an even popular programming platform that can maximize the utility of mobile devices, embedded devices.

Java on desktops

Java is estimated to be running on more than 85 Million desktops. Microsoft has integrated Java Runtime Environment into its Windows operating system that is increasing the usage of Java substantially across the globe. Java runs on desktops using Java Virtual Machine.

Java on mobiles

Java Micro Edition (ME) is a strong competitor for other mobile operating systems like .NET Compact Framework, BREW, and Symbian. Google’s Android is also a major mobile operating system that uses Java applets for serving web applications and mobile applications on smartphone screens.

Java for enterprises

Since the release of the Enterprise Edition in 1998, Java matured into an enterprise-grade platform that can integrate web services with backend servers. Nowadays, Java is also used to develop Application servers, web servers, enterprise service buses, Business Process Management tools, content management systems, etc.

Java SE 8 New Features

Java SE 8 is the latest version of Java and was released in March 2014. The version does not officially support Window XP platform, however, is the recommended version for XP users since Windows 7’s lifecycle has ended. Most of the new additions in Java SE 8 is discussed as below:

Lambda expressions

The introduction of Lambda expressions does away with the need to use an anonymous class. It makes Java programming more stable and powerful to define inline implementations for functional interfaces.

Method References

Using method references, programmers can call for functions directly by their names. It is available for instance methods, static methods and constructors using new Operators.

Tool additions

New tools added in Java 8 include JJS command, jeeps, JavaFX applications, reworked Java man page, Java Management Extensions (JMX) Jarsinger, etc.

Date time API

Date time API package can be used to model the most commonly used aspects of time-based on the ISO-8601 (Gregorian calendar system) as default calendar. Other calendar systems including Thai Buddhist, Hijrah or other non-ISO calendar systems can also be integrated using the new date time APIs.

Nashorn Javascript Engine

Nashorn Javascript Engine enables restricting access to specific Java classes that are run using the Nashorn script engine. A great utility for security managers.

Collections

Collections in Java SE 8 enable combine the results from processing of elements in a stream. The stream API is integrated into the collections API enabling parallel or sequential map-reduce transformations.

Security enhancements

• SHA-224 Message Digests
• Default Client-side TLS 1.2
• Improvised algorithms for password-based encryption
• 64-bit PKCS11 for Windows
• SASL service for multiple host names