Is Gradle 8.4 compatible with Java 21?

Is Gradle 8.4 compatible with Java 21?

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Unfortunately, the answer is no, Gradle 8.4 is not officially compatible with Java 21 (also known as Java 19, which was released in October 2022). Here's why:

Java 21 is a relatively new major version of the Java programming language. As such, it introduces significant changes to the Java runtime environment and APIs. Gradle 8.4, on the other hand, was released in December 2021, before Java 21 became available.

In general, the Gradle team focuses on keeping their build tool compatible with the most recent major versions of Java (i.e., 18 and earlier). While they do try to stay up-to-date with newer Java features and changes, they don't necessarily prioritize support for brand-new, still-evolving Java releases like Java 21.

This is partly because Java 21 is not yet widely adopted or stabilized in the industry. As such, it's considered experimental at this stage, and developers may want to wait until it matures before using it in production.

If you're interested in using Gradle with Java 21, I recommend keeping an eye on future Gradle releases (e.g., 9.x) for potential updates or patches that would enable compatibility. You can also consider building your project with older versions of Java (like 17 or 18) and using Gradle 8.4 to get started.

It's worth noting that some Gradle plugins, especially those focused on specific areas like Android or Kotlin development, might already be compatible with Java 21 or have plans for future support. In such cases, you may want to explore these plugins as potential workarounds if you're eager to use Java 21 in your project.

In summary, while Gradle 8.4 is not officially compatible with Java 21, the Gradle team might address this in a future release. Until then, it's recommended to stick with supported versions of Java and Gradle or explore alternative build tools that are designed for newer Java releases.

What version of Java is compatible with Gradle?

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Gradle, a popular build tool for Android and Java projects, supports various versions of the Java programming language. The compatibility depends on the Gradle version and the specific Java features required in your project.

Gradle 5.x and above

For Gradle 5.x and later versions, Java 11 (LTS - Long Term Support) is the minimum recommended version. You can use any newer Java version as well, such as Java 13 or 14, which are also LTS releases. In fact, Gradle 6.x and 7.x even support Java 15.

Gradle 4.x to 4.9

For Gradle 4.x to 4.9, the minimum recommended Java version is Java 8 (LTS). You can use Java 10 or 11 as well, but it's not officially supported by Gradle for these versions.

Gradle 3.x and below

Older Gradle versions (3.x and below) are compatible with Java 7 and above. However, it's recommended to upgrade to a newer Gradle version if possible, as older versions may no longer receive security updates or support.

Special cases: Android projects

If you're working on an Android project using Gradle, the minimum required Java version is Java 8 (LTS), regardless of the Gradle version. This is because the Android SDK requires Java 8 for building and testing Android apps.

In conclusion

To summarize:

Remember that compatibility issues can arise when using older Java versions with newer Gradle versions. It's essential to check the compatibility documentation for your specific use case if you're unsure about the required Java version.