Deciphering JDK Versions

If you are familiar with the world of Java, you are familiar with the term "JDK", or Java Development Kit. 

 Despite familiarity with the term, it is important to know how to differentiate it.

What is a JDK?

When engaging in Java programming, there are core technology packages that are used, namely, 

1. JRE (Java Run-Time Environment)

This is a software that has the capability to run other software. It includes the Java command line tool, as well as the JVM (Java Virtual Machine), which executes the code (Tyson, 2020).

2. JDK (Java Development Kit)

This is the tool that allows the writing of code to be executed by the JRE. It helps in the development by including a compiler and debugger (Marco Behler, 2019) (Guru99, n.d.).

 In summary, JDK is a collection of tools that aid in the development of code, while JRE aids in the running or executing of that code.

 JDK is the superset and JRE is a subset of it.

  Differences in JDK Versions

JDK 8	JDK 11	JDK 14
Released in 2014	Released in 2018	Released in 2020
Does not allow modular programming	Allows modular programming	Allows modular programming
Will not be supported after 2020	Will continue to function	Will continue to function
Lambdas were introduced which allows function to be written without belonging to a class (Jankov, 2019).	New methods for string and files. isBlank() lines() strip()	- Preview of pattern Matching for instanceof - Java Flight Recorder (JFR) Event Streaming

  (Marco Behler, 2019)

References

Guru99, n.d. JDK vs JRE vs JVM: Key Differences. [Online]
Available at: https://www.guru99.com/difference-between-jdk-jre-jvm.html#4
[Accessed 2020].

Jankov, 2019. Java Lambda Expressions. [Online]
Available at: http://tutorials.jenkov.com/java/lambda-expressions.html

Marco Behler, 2019. Guide to Java Versions and Features. [Online]
Available at: https://dzone.com/articles/a-guide-to-java-versions-and-features
[Accessed 2020].

Tyson, M., 2020. What is the JDK? Introduction to the Java Development Kit. [Online]
Available at: https://www.javaworld.com/article/3296360/what-is-the-jdk-introduction-to-the-java-development-kit.html