Question on the Netbeans project's plan for moving forward towards introducing and utilizing features with newer Java versions.
I understand the basic expectations at present are mainly build on Java 8, while being possible to build (with applicable flags or jdk settings) for newer java versions. At what point do we need to take the plunge and start actually using some of the new features for Java 9 and beyond? When compiling with new java, I see 1. references to deprecated or removed interfaces so assume that is one thing that would have to be addressed. 2. I see references to "source versions" (I saw one expecting server version 1.4) which also show up. As I understand it, at some point the general behavior in some of that will be to only support a few jdk version back so assume this might be a case for other needed changes [what makes it a specific version and is it as simple as changing the source version in the project details or build scripts]? Assume doing so would require changes like 1. Any "JDK" specific build details might have to be addressed 2. Address depreciation and source version differences 3. Find existing code which are candidates for refactoring with newer java features involved 4. Maybe leverage some JDK tools or utilizing netbeans Java "refactoring hints" for suggestions (i.e. changing loops to lambdas, utilized newer file interfaces, etc.) 5. Any dependency libraries would have to be updated with compatible versions. This does have the added benefit of utilizing newer versions in these as well which may include performance, security, or bug fits benefits as well. 6. Update any documentation (i.e. build/runtime environments) Given the recent javadocs build issues requiring newer jdk, it may mean the time is coming sooner rather than later. I know this would be a major bit of work but I wanted to raise the question. Eric Bresie [email protected]
