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20. Java 21 transition

Ilkka Seppälä edited this page Mar 27, 2024 · 2 revisions

To migrate the Java codebase from Java 17 to Java 21 and to start leveraging the new features of Java 21 effectively, we need a structured technical implementation plan. This plan will guide the team through a series of steps, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining code integrity and functionality. Here's the detailed technical implementation plan:

1. Preliminary Analysis

1.1 Review Java 21 Release Notes

  • Understand the new features, enhancements, and deprecated features in Java 21.
  • Identify any removed APIs and features that might impact the current codebase.

1.2 Audit Current Codebase

[ ] Use tools like jdeprscan from JDK to scan the code for any uses of deprecated APIs. [ ] Review custom and third-party dependencies for compatibility with Java 21.

1.3 Team Briefing

[ ] Conduct a session to brief the development team about Java 21 features and changes. [ ] Discuss potential challenges and opportunities with the migration.

2. Environment Preparation

2.1 JDK Upgrade

[ ] Download and install JDK 21 on development, testing, and production environments. [ ] Ensure that all environment variables and PATH settings are updated to point to JDK 21.

2.2 Maven Configuration Update

[ ] Update the maven-compiler-plugin in the pom.xml file to use Java 21, setting both the source and target to 21. [ ] Validate and update other Maven plugins and dependencies for Java 21 compatibility.

2.3 CI/CD Pipeline Update

[ ] Update the GitHub Actions workflow configurations to use JDK 21 for builds. [ ] Ensure that all CI steps (e.g., build, test, deploy) are compatible with Java 21.

3. Code Migration and Refactoring

3.1 Automated Code Refactoring

[ ] Use IDE tools or other utilities to automatically update code to use Java 21 features where applicable, such as var type inference, switch expressions, and text blocks.

3.2 Manual Code Refactoring

[ ] Manually refactor critical sections of the code that require a nuanced understanding of the new Java 21 features or changes. [ ] Pay special attention to concurrency updates, API changes, and any feature that could significantly impact performance or functionality.

3.3 Deprecation Handling

[ ] Replace deprecated APIs with their recommended Java 21 alternatives. [ ] For any removed APIs, find or implement suitable replacements.

4. Testing

4.1 Unit and Integration Testing

[ ] Run all existing unit and integration tests to ensure that the migration has not introduced any regressions. [ ] Update tests to cover new code paths and features used from Java 21.

4.2 Performance Testing

[ ] Conduct performance testing to identify any potential bottlenecks introduced by the migration. [ ] Compare key performance indicators (KPIs) before and after migration to ensure no degradation.

4.3 Compatibility Testing

[ ] Test the application on all supported platforms to ensure compatibility with Java 21.

5. Documentation and Training

5.1 Update Documentation

[ ] Update technical documentation to reflect the migration to Java 21 and any significant code changes or new patterns employed.

5.2 Developer Training

[ ] Provide training or workshops for the development team to get up to speed with Java 21 features and best practices.

6. Rollout Plan

6.1 Staging Environment Deployment

[ ] Deploy the updated application to a staging environment. [ ] Conduct thorough testing and stakeholder review to ensure the application meets business and operational requirements.

6.2 Production Deployment

[ ] Plan a phased rollout to production, with rollback strategies in place in case of unforeseen issues. [ ] Monitor application logs and performance closely following each rollout phase.

6.3 Post-Deployment Review

[ ] Conduct a post-deployment review to document lessons learned and best practices for future migrations.

7. Leveraging Java 21 Features

7.1 Feature Adoption Plan

[ ] Identify and prioritize Java 21 features that could benefit the project, such as new APIs, language enhancements, and performance improvements. [ ] Develop a plan to incrementally adopt these features in a way that aligns with project goals and timelines.

7.2 Codebase Refinement

[ ] Continuously refactor the codebase to adopt Java 21 features where they can bring improvements in readability, maintainability, performance, or security.

Conclusion

Migrating to Java 21 is a significant endeavor that requires careful planning, execution, and validation. By following this technical implementation plan, the team will be well-equipped to manage the transition effectively, minimize disruptions, and leverage new Java features to enhance the project's value.