Java LTS Versions Comparison

Java’s Long-Term Support (LTS) releases define the foundation of modern enterprise software.
From Java SE 8 (2014) to Java SE 25 (2025), the platform has evolved significantly — improving performance, security, and developer productivity.
This article offers a detailed comparison of major LTS versions, including their support timelines, core features, and migration considerations.

Support and Lifecycle Summary

Version Release Date Premier Support Until Extended Support / EOL Notes
Java SE 8 March 2014 March 2022 December 2030 Widely used legacy baseline.
Java SE 11 September 2018 September 2023 January 2032 First LTS after 8; new release cadence.
Java SE 17 September 2021 September 2026 September 2029 “Modern Java” enterprise baseline.
Java SE 21 September 2023 September 2028 September 2031 Latest stable LTS release.
Java SE 25 September 2025 September 2030 September 2033 Next-generation LTS with Leyden and performance boosts.

*Support data based on Oracle’s official Java SE roadmap.
Other vendors (like Eclipse Temurin or Red Hat) may follow different schedules.

Key Features Across Java LTS Releases

Java SE 8 (2014)

  • Introduced Lambda Expressions and the Streams API for functional programming.
  • New java.time Date-Time API replacing java.util.Date.
  • Default and static methods in interfaces.
  • Serves as the global enterprise baseline for legacy systems.

Java SE 11 (2018)

  • Standardized HTTP Client API (JEP 321) for modern HTTP requests.
  • var syntax for lambda parameters (JEP 323).
  • Removed obsolete Java EE and CORBA modules (JEP 320).
  • Introduced experimental ZGC (Garbage Collector).

Java SE 17 (2021)

  • Records (JEP 395) for concise data carriers.
  • Sealed Classes (JEP 409) for restricted inheritance.
  • Pattern Matching for instanceof (JEP 394).
  • Enhanced GCs — ZGC and Shenandoah for low latency.

Java SE 21 (2023)

  • Virtual Threads (Project Loom) — lightweight concurrency (JEP 444).
  • Record Patterns (JEP 440) and Pattern Matching for Switch (JEP 441).
  • Sequenced Collections (JEP 431) defining order in collections.
  • Foreign Function & Memory API (JEP 442) — native interop improvements.

Java SE 25 (2025)

  • Module Import Declarations (JEP 511) — simplified module syntax.
  • Primitive Types in Patterns & Switch (JEP 507).
  • Compact Source Files & Instance Main Methods (JEP 512).
  • Flexible Constructor Bodies (JEP 513).
  • Runtime optimizations via Project Leyden and AOT enhancements.

Upgrade and Migration Considerations

  • Upgrading from Java 8 → 11 → 17 → 21 → 25 requires auditing for deprecated or removed APIs (e.g., CORBA in 11).
  • Ensure build tools and frameworks (like Spring Boot, Hibernate, Maven) align with target JDK support.
  • Preview and incubator features may change between updates — track stability per release.
  • Newer LTS releases offer better garbage collection, performance, and native interoperability.
  • Plan upgrades around support timelines for security and maintenance continuity.

Summary Table for Presentation or Reports

Version Release Premier Support Ends Key Highlights Upgrade Benefit
8 Mar 2014 Mar 2022 Streams, Lambdas, Date/Time API Modern coding style, functional programming
11 Sep 2018 Sep 2023 HTTP Client, var lambdas, module cleanup Better APIs, modular system
17 Sep 2021 Sep 2026 Records, Sealed Classes, Pattern Matching Modern enterprise standard
21 Sep 2023 Sep 2028 Virtual Threads, Record Patterns, Sequenced Collections High scalability, concurrency improvements
25 Sep 2025 Sep 2030 Module Imports, Primitive Patterns, AOT performance Next-gen LTS, future-proof development

Conclusion

Each LTS version of Java marks a significant milestone in performance, maintainability, and developer productivity.
While Java 8 remains a legacy favorite, Java 17 and 21 have become the de facto enterprise standards, and Java 25 promises to push boundaries with Project Leyden and streamlined syntax.
For long-term stability, enterprises should adopt the latest supported LTS and plan gradual migrations aligned with Oracle’s roadmap.