Java 16

IntelliJ IDEA always supports the most recent version of Java. If you want to see the new features that are most interesting to Java developers, and see how IntelliJ IDEA helps us to use these features, these tips are a great place to start.

Create Record

Create a new Java record class

Convert class to record

Use inspections to convert classes to Java 16 records

Convert from Record

Use quick intentions to convert a record to a class

Use Pattern Matching for instanceof

Inspections can guide us to use new Java features

Press ⌥⏎ (macOS) or Alt+Enter (Windows/Linux) and choose "Replace with pattern variable".

public class PatternMatchingSwitch {
	
	void outputValueInUpperCase(Object obj) {
		if (obj instanceof String) {
			String s = (String) obj;
			System.out.println(s);
		}
	}
}

You can press ⌥⏎ (macOS) or Alt+Enter (Windows/Linux) and choose "Replace 's' with pattern variable".

public class PatternMatchingSwitch {

    void outputValueInUpperCase(Object obj) {
        if (obj instanceof String s) {
            System.out.println(s);
        }
    }
}

Identify and fix deprecated calls

IntelliJ IDEA will warn you if you're using deprecated methods, and they will be shown with a strikethrough if they're marked for removal

Use new methods on the Streams API

Inspections can show us new features from Java 16

Turn on Preview Features to try new Java features

The latest versions of Java contain "Preview Features", features that are fully functional but require developer feedback. Try them out in IntelliJ IDEA.

Create a correct parent Sealed Class

Sealed types are a new idea for Java developers, let IntelliJ IDEA guide you in how to use them

Create a correct child Sealed Class

Sealed types are a new idea for Java developers, let IntelliJ IDEA guide you in how to create child classes