Java 17 vs. Java 21: Key differences

Java 17, a long-term support (LTS) release, introduced sealed classes, enhanced pattern matching, and improved garbage collection. It is widely used for enterprise applications due to its stability and long-term updates. However, Java 21, also an LTS release, brings virtual threads (Project Loom), record patterns, and a simplified concurrency model, making it a more efficient choice for high-performance and scalable applications.

For startups and enterprises seeking long-term stability, Java 17 remains a reliable choice. However, if your application requires better concurrency handling and performance optimizations, Java 21 is the clear winner.

Key Takeaways:

• Java 17 → Stable, well-supported, ideal for enterprise applications.

• Java 21 → Faster performance, virtual threads for better concurrency.

• Java 21 is the better option for modern, scalable applications.