Java 14 is a non-LTS feature release following Java 13. It preceded Java 15 (September 2020). Java 14 reached end-of-life in September 2020 and receives no further updates.
| Release Details | March 17, 2020 |
| LTS | No |
| OpenJDK End-of-Life | September 15, 2020 |
| Notable For | Switch expressions finalized, pattern matching preview, records preview, helpful NPEs |
Java 14 is end-of-life. Organizations running it should upgrade to a current LTS release: Java 17, Java 21, or Java 25.
Switch Expressions (JEP 361)
Switch expressions are finalized. Switch can now return a value and be used in assignments. Arrow syntax (case L ->) eliminates fall-through. This completed a three-release journey: preview in Java 12 (JEP 325), second preview in Java 13 (JEP 354), final in Java 14.
int numLetters = switch (day) {
case MONDAY, FRIDAY, SUNDAY -> 6;
case TUESDAY -> 7;
case THURSDAY, SATURDAY -> 8;
case WEDNESDAY -> 9;
};
Pattern Matching for instanceof (Preview, JEP 305)
The first preview of pattern matching in instanceof checks. The variable is bound within the if block without an explicit cast. Previewed in Java 14, finalized in Java 16 (JEP 394).
if (obj instanceof String s && s.length() > 5) {
System.out.println(s.toUpperCase());
}
Records (Preview, JEP 359)
First preview of records, a compact syntax for immutable data carriers. The compiler generates the constructor, accessors, equals, hashCode, and toString. Previewed in Java 14 and 15, finalized in Java 16 (JEP 395).
record Point(int x, int y) {}
Text Blocks (Second Preview, JEP 368)
Second preview of multi-line string literals (first preview was Java 13, JEP 355). Added two new escape sequences: \s for a single space and \<newline> to suppress the line break. Finalized in Java 15 (JEP 378).
Helpful NullPointerExceptions (JEP 358)
The JVM now prints exactly which variable was null in a chained expression. Previously, a NPE on a.b.c.d only showed the line number. Now it shows Cannot invoke “String.toLowerCase()” because “a.b.c” is null.
JFR Event Streaming (JEP 349)
Java Flight Recorder events can now be consumed continuously via jdk.jfr.consumer.EventStream, without dumping to a file first. Enables real-time monitoring of GC pauses, thread stalls, and CPU usage from within the application.
Packaging Tool (Incubator, JEP 343)
jpackage creates native installers (msi, rpm, deb, pkg, dmg) that bundle a JVM with the application. Eliminates the need for users to install Java separately. Incubated in Java 14, production-ready in Java 16 (JEP 392).
Non-Volatile Mapped Byte Buffers (JEP 352)
java.nio supports non-volatile memory (NVM/PMEM) via MappedByteBuffer. Targeted at persistent memory devices like Intel Optane. The JVM ensures writes are flushed to persistent storage before the buffer is considered durable.
Java 14 Removals
| JEP | Change | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| JEP 363 | Remove CMS Garbage Collector | The Concurrent Mark Sweep collector, deprecated since Java 9, is removed. Use G1 or ZGC instead |
| JEP 367 | Remove Pack200 APIs and Tools | java.util.jar.Pack200 and the pack200/unpack200 tools are removed. Use jlink for compact deployments |
| JEP | Change | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| JEP 362 | Deprecate Solaris and SPARC Ports | Removed in Java 15 (JEP 381) |
| JEP 366 | Deprecate ParallelScavenge + SerialOld GC | Uncommon GC combination marked for removal |
Java 14 has been end-of-life since September 2020. Recommended upgrade targets:
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