No OpenJDK project has excited Java developers as much as Valhalla. And no other has strung us along for that long. But now the wait is over!
Value types are the first step to mending the rift in Java's type system and allow us to create identity-less, more primitive-like classes. They will (likely) preview for the first time in JDK 28, so it's time to take a close look at:
- syntax and semantics of value types
- limitations and capabilities
- performance characteristics
- the next steps Valhalla is planning to take
After this talk, you'll know what value types can do in JDK 28 - and what they can't. And the latter is just as important because the trek to Valhalla is still long and value types are neither intended nor capable to fulfill all expectations we may have for the project at large.