Java’s internal systems and syntax are constantly evolving, and these changes happen primarily through the Java Community Process (JCP) and Java Enhancement Proposals (JEPs). Together, the JCP and JEPs define the path by which new features can be described, designed, and—hopefully—introduced into the JVM. They keep the Java language and platform dynamic and the community engaged. With JDK 24 so close to its planned release date, now is a good time to take a look at the upcoming JEPs making their way through the process.
Stages of the JEP process
You can check the JEP Index on the OpenJDK homepage for a catalog of all the JEPs, past and present, submitted for Java. The sheer size and scope of the index can be overwhelming at first. It’s not immediately clear what each JEP is about and which ones are more significant. You might expect major projects like virtual threads would be distinguished from proposals of smaller scope, but there is no such distinction. All the JEPs are listed, past and present, showing the complete history of Java’s evolution.
Instead of scope, the JEPs are organized according to their stage of development:
