What Is a Java Long-Term Support (LTS) Release?
- Stable Java version with extended support for years.
- Ideal for production and enterprise environments.
- Receives security updates and critical bug fixes.
- Released every three years for consistent planning.
- Examples include Java 8, 11, and 17.
What Is a Java Long-Term Support (LTS) Release?
Java’s development and release strategy has significantly transformed. Java has adopted a structured release cadence to keep pace with evolving software requirements. At the heart of this approach are two types of releases: Long-Term Support (LTS) releases and non-LTS releases.
Understanding these releases helps developers, organizations, and businesses make better project choices, balancing stability with the desire for innovation.
What Is a Long-Term Support (LTS) Release?
An LTS release is a version of Java that guarantees long-term maintenance and support. It ensures a stable and reliable platform for enterprise-level applications and systems. These releases are intended for environments where consistency and longevity are critical.
Key Characteristics of LTS Releases:
- Extended Support Period:
- LTS versions receive updates for several years, including bug fixes and security patches, providing a dependable foundation for production systems.
- Commercial support is widely available from vendors like Oracle, Red Hat, Amazon Corretto, and others.
- Focus on Stability:
- Designed to provide a stable and predictable environment, minimizing disruptions caused by frequent updates or experimental features.
- Critical updates are carefully tested and applied selectively.
- Predictable Release Cadence:
- LTS versions are released every three years, giving enterprises time to plan migrations and updates.
Examples of LTS Releases:
- Java 8 (2014): Introduced significant enhancements, including lambda expressions, the Stream API, and a new Date and Time API. Its extended lifecycle makes it a popular choice even today.
- Java 11 (2018): Featured improvements like HTTP/2 support, simplified runtime management, and garbage collection enhancements.
- Java 17 (2021): Added innovations such as sealed classes, pattern matching for switches, and enhanced cryptographic features.
What Is a Non-LTS Release?
Non-LTS releases are Java versions that prioritize introducing new features and improvements rapidly but have a shorter support lifecycle. These releases cater to developers eager to explore and adopt the latest Java advancements.
Key Characteristics of Non-LTS Releases:
- Shorter Support Period:
- Typically supported for only six months, after which the next release replaces them.
- Often, they lack commercial support, making them less suitable for long-term projects.
- Focus on Innovation:
- Act as testing grounds for new features and capabilities, providing valuable feedback for future LTS releases.
- Include experimental features that may be refined or removed in subsequent versions.
- Frequent Release Cadence:
- Issued every six months, ensuring a continuous flow of updates and innovations.
Examples of Non-LTS Releases:
- Java 9 (2017): Introduced the modular system (Project Jigsaw), laying the groundwork for better scalability and application structure.
- Java 12 (2019): Featured switch expressions enhanced code readability and conciseness.
- Java 20 (2023): This release includes previews of cutting-edge features such as virtual threads (Project Loom) and memory improvements (Project Valhalla).
Read the history of OpenJDK.
Comparing LTS and Non-LTS Releases
| Feature | LTS Release | Non-LTS Release |
|---|---|---|
| Support Duration | Several years | ~6 months |
| Primary Use Case | Stability and production | Innovation and testing |
| Frequency | Every 3 years | Every 6 months |
| Target Audience | Enterprises, long-term users | Early adopters, innovators |
| Update Approach | Security and critical fixes | Experimental features |
Choosing Between LTS and Non-LTS Releases
When to Choose LTS Releases:
- Production Environments: Ideal for mission-critical applications where stability and reliability are essential.
- Risk Mitigation: Suitable for enterprises that need extensively tested features to minimize risks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to standards that mandate supported and secure software versions.
When to Use Non-LTS Releases:
- Early Adoption is perfect for developers eager to explore and leverage cutting-edge Java features before they are included in LTS versions.
- Development and Testing: Valuable in testing environments to assess new functionalities and prepare feedback.
- Short-Term Applications: Works well for projects with a limited operational lifespan or experimental scope.
Benefits of the LTS and Non-LTS Approach
This dual-release strategy allows Java to cater to a diverse audience:
- Enterprises: Benefit from the stability and long-term support of LTS releases, ensuring reliable operations.
- Innovators: Gain early access to new capabilities through non-LTS releases, fostering experimentation and innovation.
- Balanced Evolution: LTS releases provide a robust foundation, while non-LTS releases drive continuous advancement in the language.
FAQ: What Is a Java Long-Term Support (LTS) Release?
What is a Java Long-Term Support (LTS) release?
An LTS release is a stable version of Java that offers extended support, including updates and patches, over several years.
How often are LTS releases made available?
LTS versions are released every three years as part of Java\u2019s predictable release cycle.
What kind of updates do LTS versions receive?
They receive critical bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches throughout their lifecycle.
Which versions of Java are considered LTS?
Notable LTS versions include Java 8, Java 11, and Java 17.
Why are LTS releases important for enterprises?
They provide a reliable, long-term foundation for applications, reducing the need for frequent migrations.
Can LTS versions be used for free?
Yes, OpenJDK versions of LTS releases are free. However, some vendors offer commercial support for additional services.
How does an LTS release differ from a non-LTS release?
LTS releases are supported for years, while non-LTS versions receive updates only until the next release.
What industries rely on Java LTS releases?
Industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce rely on LTS versions for mission-critical applications.
What happens if I don’t upgrade to the next LTS release?
You can continue using your current LTS version with vendor-provided support, but upgrading ensures access to the latest features and improvements.
Are LTS releases suitable for cloud-based applications?
Yes, LTS versions provide the stability needed for cloud-native and enterprise-level applications.
Do LTS versions support all Java features?
They include the latest stable features at the release time but may not have experimental features found in non-LTS versions.
What are the benefits of the three-year LTS cadence?
It allows organizations to plan migrations and updates without being overwhelmed by frequent releases.
Can I migrate directly from one LTS version to another?
Yes, migrating between LTS versions is a common practice to maintain support and access to new features.
Are LTS releases backward compatible?
LTS versions prioritize backward compatibility, ensuring older applications continue to function with minimal changes.
Where can I download Java LTS versions?
You can download LTS releases from OpenJDK’s official website or through vendor distributions like Oracle JDK, Amazon Corretto, and Red Hat OpenJDK.
