How long is Java LTS supported?

Carmen 88 Published: 11/23/2024

How long is Java LTS supported?

Java Long-Term Support (LTS) is a specific release of the Java Development Kit (JDK), which receives long-term support and maintenance from Oracle Corporation. The length of support for each JDK version varies, but generally, Oracle provides LTS support for three to four years.

To understand how Java LTS is supported, let's take a look at the typical lifecycle of a Java JDK release:

Initial Release: A new JDK version is released by Oracle, which includes bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new features. LTS (Long-Term Support): The initial release becomes eligible for LTS support after six months. During this period, Oracle provides regular security patches, bug fixes, and minor updates to maintain the stability of the JDK. End of Public Updates (EOPU): After three years, the JDK version reaches its EOPU milestone, which means no further public updates or security patches are provided. However, Oracle still provides limited support for critical security issues that may arise. End of Life (EOL): After four years from the initial release date, the JDK version is considered End-of-Life and no longer receives any support or maintenance.

To give you a better idea, here's an example of Java LTS releases and their corresponding timelines:

Java 13: Released in April 2019; received LTS support in October 2019, and reached EOPU in July 2020. The EOL for Java 13 is expected to be in April 2023. Java 15: Released in September 2021; became eligible for LTS support in March 2022, and will reach EOPU in September 2024.

Keep in mind that these timelines are subject to change based on Oracle's policies and the overall stability of each JDK version. If you're planning to use a specific Java JDK version for your project or application, it's essential to check Oracle's documentation for the most up-to-date information regarding support and maintenance.

In summary, Java LTS releases receive initial support after six months, followed by three years of regular updates, and eventually reach their EOPU milestone. The overall lifespan of a Java JDK version can range from four to five years. It's crucial to stay informed about Oracle's support policies and the specific timelines for your chosen Java JDK versions.

Java 21 Support end Date

I apologize for any inconvenience caused earlier due to language limitations!

To answer your question regarding Java 21's support end date, I'll provide information about the latest versions of Java and their respective support end dates.

Java 21 is not a real version of Java. The most recent LTS (Long-Term Support) releases are Java 18, Java 17, and Java 15. Each release has its own support end date:

Java 18:

Initial release: March 22, 2022 General availability: April 5, 2022 LTS (Long-Term Support) until September 2027

Java 17: Initial release: October 27, 2021 General availability: November 9, 2021 LTS (Long-Term Support) until December 2026 Java 15: Initial release: September 20, 2021 General availability: September 28, 2021 LTS (Long-Term Support) until March 2025

As you can see, there is no Java 21 version with a support end date. The Oracle JDK and OpenJDK communities regularly release new versions of Java with various improvements, bug fixes, and security patches.

Here are some key takeaways:

Oracle JDK: New features, updates, and fixes are added to each release. LTS releases (like Java 18) receive extended support for a longer period. OpenJDK: Focuses on providing an open-source implementation of the Java SE platform. Reaches general availability faster than Oracle JDK releases.

Keep in mind that these dates are subject to change, and it's always essential to check the official Oracle or OpenJDK documentation for the most up-to-date information about Java versions and their support end dates.