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Java • Understanding the Dangers of ThreadLocal

Post Date: 19 Dec 2023
 
 

Overview

In this article, we delve into the intricate world of Java programming, focusing on a specialized feature: ThreadLocal. Known for its ability to store data specific to a particular thread, ThreadLocal plays a crucial role in Java’s multi-threading capabilities. However, it’s not without its pitfalls. This exploration aims to unravel the complexities and potential dangers associated with ThreadLocal, providing insights for both seasoned and budding Java developers.

Embed from Getty Images

ThreadLocal in Java, while powerful, can be a double-edged sword. Understanding its proper use and alternatives is essential for robust and efficient Java applications. We will navigate through its mechanics, explore safer alternatives, and highlight the differences between threads and ThreadLocal variables, equipping developers with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

What is ThreadLocal in Java?

ThreadLocal in Java is a feature that enables the creation of thread-specific variables. Unlike regular variables that are shared across threads, a ThreadLocal variable provides each thread with its own, independent copy. This is particularly useful in multi-threading environments where data isolation per thread is required.

Key Features of ThreadLocal

Importance in Java

ThreadLocal is essential for creating clean and thread-safe applications, as it provides a straightforward way to maintain state within threads. However, it demands careful management to avoid common pitfalls like memory leaks. Understanding ThreadLocal helps in optimizing Java applications for concurrent processing.

Understanding the Dangers of ThreadLocal

While ThreadLocal can be a valuable tool for managing thread-specific data, it’s important to be aware of its potential pitfalls and the dangers it may pose in a multi-threaded environment. In this section, we’ll explore these dangers through examples and scenarios.

1. Accidental Data Sharing

One common danger is accidentally sharing ThreadLocal data between threads. Suppose you have a scenario where you use a ThreadLocal variable to store user authentication tokens in a web application. If the same ThreadLocal instance is used across multiple requests, it can lead to one thread accessing another thread’s authentication token, potentially causing security issues.

public class AuthTokenManager {
   private static ThreadLocal<String> authToken = ThreadLocal.withInitial(() -> null);

   public static void setAuthToken(String token) {
       authToken.set(token);
   }

   public static String getAuthToken() {
       return authToken.get();
   }
}

In this code, if the authToken ThreadLocal is shared among different threads, it can lead to data leakage.

2. Memory Leaks

ThreadLocal variables can cause memory leaks if not properly managed. Suppose you have a long-lived thread pool where ThreadLocal instances are used, and you forget to remove the ThreadLocal values after they are no longer needed. This can result in references to objects that prevent them from being garbage collected.

Let’s explore a real-world example of memory leaks caused by ThreadLocal variables in a long-lived thread pool scenario:

Imagine you’re developing a server application that handles incoming requests using a thread pool. Each thread in the pool processes incoming HTTP requests and generates a response. To store request-specific data, you decide to use a ThreadLocal variable to hold user session information for better performance and simplicity.

public class SessionManager {
    private static ThreadLocal<UserSession> sessionThreadLocal = ThreadLocal.withInitial(UserSession::new);

    public static UserSession getCurrentSession() {
        return sessionThreadLocal.get();
    }
}

In this example, the SessionManager class uses a ThreadLocal variable sessionThreadLocal to store user sessions for each thread. This approach allows each thread to access its unique UserSession without synchronization, improving performance.

Now, let’s consider a situation where your server application is long-running and handles a significant number of requests over time. As threads are repeatedly reused from the thread pool to process new requests, the ThreadLocal instances holding UserSession objects accumulate.

public class Application {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        ExecutorService threadPool = Executors.newFixedThreadPool(10);

        for (int i = 0; i < 1000; i++) {
            threadPool.execute(() -> {
                // Process incoming request
                UserSession session = SessionManager.getCurrentSession();

                // ... perform operations with the session ...

                // Session is no longer needed, but not explicitly removed
            });
        }

        threadPool.shutdown();
    }
}

In this code snippet, we submit 1000 tasks to the thread pool to process incoming requests. Each task uses SessionManager.getCurrentSession() to retrieve a UserSession from the ThreadLocal variable. However, there is no explicit removal of the ThreadLocal value after the session is no longer needed.

Over time, as the application continues to process requests, the ThreadLocal instances for each thread accumulate more and more UserSession objects, even though many of these sessions are no longer in use. This accumulation of objects can lead to a memory leak, as these objects are still referenced by the ThreadLocal instances, preventing them from being garbage collected.

To avoid this memory leak, it’s crucial to explicitly remove the ThreadLocal values when they are no longer needed, typically using ThreadLocal.remove():

public class Application {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        ExecutorService threadPool = Executors.newFixedThreadPool(10);

        for (int i = 0; i < 1000; i++) {
            threadPool.execute(() -> {
                try {
                    // Process incoming request
                    UserSession session = SessionManager.getCurrentSession();

                    // ... perform operations with the session ...

                } finally {
                    // Remove the ThreadLocal value to prevent memory leaks
                    SessionManager.clearCurrentSession();
                }
            });
        }

        threadPool.shutdown();
    }
}

In this updated code, the SessionManager.clearCurrentSession() method is called within a finally block to ensure that the ThreadLocal value is removed, allowing the UserSession objects to become eligible for garbage collection when they are no longer needed.

By actively managing ThreadLocal variables and removing them when they are no longer needed, you can prevent memory leaks in long-lived thread pool scenarios and ensure the efficient use of memory resources in your Java applications.

3. Complexity

Overusing ThreadLocal can introduce unnecessary complexity into your codebase. Managing numerous ThreadLocal instances can be challenging and lead to testing and maintenance issues.

Let’s illustrate the concept of complexity introduced by overusing ThreadLocal with a simplified example Managing Multiple User Preferences with ThreadLocal:

Imagine you’re developing a user preferences management system for a large-scale web application. Users can customize their settings, and these preferences need to be available throughout the application’s codebase. To implement this, you decide to use ThreadLocal to store user preferences on a per-thread basis for easy access.

public class UserPreferencesManager {
    private static ThreadLocal<UserPreferences> userPreferencesThreadLocal = ThreadLocal.withInitial(UserPreferences::new);

    public static UserPreferences getCurrentUserPreferences() {
        return userPreferencesThreadLocal.get();
    }
}

In this example, the UserPreferencesManager class uses ThreadLocal to provide each thread with its unique UserPreferences object, allowing easy access to user-specific settings without synchronization overhead.

However, as the application evolves, you find that user preferences are scattered across various components, and you’ve created multiple ThreadLocal instances to cater to different preferences:

public class SomeComponent {
    private static ThreadLocal<String> themeThreadLocal = ThreadLocal.withInitial(() -> "DefaultTheme");

    public static String getCurrentTheme() {
        return themeThreadLocal.get();
    }
}

public class AnotherComponent {
    private static ThreadLocal<Integer> fontSizeThreadLocal = ThreadLocal.withInitial(() -> 12);

    public static Integer getCurrentFontSize() {
        return fontSizeThreadLocal.get();
    }
}

While this approach provides thread-specific access to user preferences, it introduces complexity:

Managing multiple ThreadLocal instances for different user preferences can become challenging. This challenge includes the need to keep track of each ThreadLocal’s purpose, initialization, and usage.

Testing components reliant on ThreadLocal variables for user preferences can be intricate. It necessitates careful management of ThreadLocal instances during testing to ensure that each test case doesn’t interfere with the ThreadLocal state of others.

As the codebase grows, the proliferation of ThreadLocal variables and their associated logic can lead to maintenance challenges. It becomes increasingly crucial to maintain code clarity and ensure that developers understand the purpose and scope of each ThreadLocal variable.

To mitigate these complexities, it’s essential to strike a balance between using ThreadLocal for thread-specific data when necessary and avoiding excessive creation of ThreadLocal instances. Employing clear documentation, a robust testing strategy, and conducting code reviews can help manage the complexities introduced by ThreadLocal usage while maintaining a maintainable codebase.

4. Testing Challenges

Testing code that relies heavily on ThreadLocal can be tricky. Ensuring that each test case doesn’t interfere with the ThreadLocal state of others requires careful consideration.

Let’s explore a real-world example of testing challenges when dealing with code heavily reliant on ThreadLocal variables:

Imagine you’re working on a complex financial application that processes user transactions concurrently. To ensure thread safety and optimal performance, you’ve decided to use ThreadLocal to manage per-thread transaction data.

public class TransactionManager {
    private static ThreadLocal<TransactionData> transactionDataThreadLocal = ThreadLocal.withInitial(TransactionData::new);

    public static TransactionData getCurrentTransactionData() {
        return transactionDataThreadLocal.get();
    }
}

In this example, the TransactionManager class uses ThreadLocal to provide each thread with its unique TransactionData object. This design ensures that each thread can work on its transaction independently without synchronization overhead.

Now, let’s consider the challenge of testing this code. You want to write unit tests to verify that your financial calculations are correct and that the application behaves as expected. However, because each thread has its own ThreadLocal state, testing can be tricky. Each test method may need to set and clear a ThreadLocal value to avoid interference with other tests. Developers can utilize JUnit 5’s @BeforeEach and @AfterEach methods to establish and dismantle the ThreadLocal value before and after each test method. An illustrative updated example is as follows:

import org.junit.jupiter.api.BeforeEach;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.AfterEach;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test;
import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertEquals;

public class FinancialCalculatorTest {

    @BeforeEach
    public void setUp() {
        // Initialize transaction data for each test
        TransactionData transactionData = new TransactionData();
        transactionData.setAccountId(12345);
        transactionData.setAmount(100.00);
        TransactionManager.setCurrentTransactionData(transactionData);
    }

    @AfterEach
    public void tearDown() {
        // Clear the ThreadLocal value after each test to avoid interference with other tests
        TransactionManager.clearCurrentTransactionData();
    }

    @Test
    public void testFinancialCalculations() {
        // Perform financial calculations
        double result = FinancialCalculator.calculateInterest();

        // Assert the result
        assertEquals(5.00, result, 0.01);
    }

    // Add more test methods here...
}

In this test, you want to calculate the interest for a transaction with a specific account ID and amount. However, because the TransactionData is stored in a ThreadLocal variable, each test case may inadvertently interfere with the ThreadLocal state of other tests.

For example, if another test case modifies the TransactionData in the same thread, it can lead to unexpected behavior in this test case, making it challenging to isolate and control the test environment. The order of test execution can also impact the outcome. To ensure clean and isolated testing, it’s crucial to clear the ThreadLocal value at the end of each test method to avoid interference with other tests.

To address these testing challenges, you may need to use strategies such as:

  1. Test Isolation: Ensure that each test case operates in an isolated environment by managing the ThreadLocal state carefully. Reset or clear ThreadLocal values between test cases to avoid interference.

  2. Thread Pool Testing: If your application uses a thread pool, consider using specialized testing frameworks that help manage thread-local states during testing. These frameworks can ensure that each test runs in a clean thread context.

  3. Mocking and Dependency Injection: Modify your code to allow for dependency injection or mocking of the ThreadLocal variables during testing. This enables you to control the behavior of ThreadLocal variables explicitly in your tests.

  4. Parallel Testing: Be cautious when running tests in parallel, as concurrent execution of tests can lead to unexpected interactions between ThreadLocal states. Consider running tests sequentially in certain cases.

In summary, testing code that heavily relies on ThreadLocal variables can be challenging due to the potential interference between test cases. To overcome these challenges, it’s crucial to carefully manage the ThreadLocal state during testing and consider strategies such as test isolation, thread pool testing, mocking, and dependency injection to ensure reliable and predictable test outcomes.

5. Thread Starvation

In scenarios where threads are frequently created and destroyed, the reuse of ThreadLocal instances can lead to thread starvation, where threads contend for available instances, potentially impacting performance.

It’s essential to mitigate these dangers by using ThreadLocal judiciously, ensuring proper cleanup of ThreadLocal variables, and avoiding excessive complexity in your code.

Let’s explore a real-world example of the challenge of thread starvation caused by the reuse of ThreadLocal instances:

Imagine you’re developing a high-traffic web server that handles incoming HTTP requests using a thread pool. Each thread in the pool processes incoming requests, and to improve performance, you decide to use ThreadLocal to store request-specific data.

public class RequestHandler {
    private static ThreadLocal<RequestContext> requestContextThreadLocal = ThreadLocal.withInitial(RequestContext::new);

    public static RequestContext getCurrentRequestContext() {
        return requestContextThreadLocal.get();
    }
}

In this scenario, the RequestHandler class uses ThreadLocal to provide each thread with its unique RequestContext object. This design ensures that each thread can process incoming requests independently without synchronization overhead.

However, you encounter a challenge when the web server experiences rapid fluctuations in request volume. Threads in the pool are frequently created and destroyed to handle incoming requests. Since ThreadLocal instances are associated with threads, creating and discarding threads frequently can lead to thread starvation.

Here’s what happens:

  1. Threads are created to handle incoming requests.
  2. Each thread uses its own ThreadLocal RequestContext for processing.
  3. When the thread completes its task and is returned to the pool, its ThreadLocal RequestContext instance remains bound to it.
  4. If the thread pool destroys threads and creates new ones frequently (common in high-traffic scenarios), the ThreadLocal instances accumulate and compete for available threads.

This competition for ThreadLocal instances can potentially impact performance and lead to thread starvation, where threads contend for available instances, causing delays in request processing and reducing overall throughput.

To mitigate thread starvation in such scenarios, you can consider strategies like:

  1. Thread Pool Tuning: Adjust the thread pool configuration to limit the frequency of thread creation and destruction. This can help reduce the contention for ThreadLocal instances.

  2. ThreadLocal Recycling: Implement a mechanism to recycle and reuse ThreadLocal instances, ensuring that they are cleaned up and made available for new threads.

  3. Monitoring and Profiling: Use monitoring and profiling tools to identify performance bottlenecks related to ThreadLocal usage. This can help pinpoint areas in your code where thread starvation occurs.

  4. Optimized Request Handling: Optimize request handling logic to minimize the reliance on ThreadLocal data, especially for frequently created and destroyed threads.

In summary, thread starvation can occur in scenarios where ThreadLocal instances are frequently created and destroyed, leading to contention for available instances among threads. To address this challenge, you can tune thread pool configurations, implement ThreadLocal recycling, monitor and profile your application, and optimize request handling logic to ensure efficient ThreadLocal usage and prevent performance bottlenecks.

Thread Safety and ThreadLocal in Java

Thread safety is a paramount concern in multi-threaded programming, and ThreadLocal in Java is often misunderstood in this context. The common belief that ThreadLocal is inherently thread-safe can lead to significant issues in application design. This section aims to clarify the concept of thread safety in relation to ThreadLocal and highlight potential pitfalls.

The Myth of Inherent Thread Safety

ThreadLocal provides a way to store data that is specific to a current thread, ensuring that the data is not shared between threads. At first glance, this seems to offer a thread-safe solution since each thread accesses only its own thread-specific data. However, the thread safety of the data stored in a ThreadLocal variable depends entirely on how that data is used and managed.

If the object stored in a ThreadLocal is mutable and not thread-safe itself, then the thread safety provided by ThreadLocal is compromised. For instance, storing a SimpleDateFormat object, which is not thread-safe, in a ThreadLocal doesn’t automatically make it safe when accessed by multiple threads. The thread safety of ThreadLocal only ensures that each thread will have its own instance of SimpleDateFormat, but the instance itself must still be used in a thread-safe manner.

Potential for Memory Leaks

Another significant concern with ThreadLocal is the risk of memory leaks. Since each thread holds an exclusive reference to its ThreadLocal variable, if the thread is not properly disposed of, the ThreadLocal variable continues to reside in memory. This is particularly problematic in environments using thread pools, where threads are often reused rather than disposed of. As such, any objects referenced by ThreadLocal variables in these threads may remain in memory indefinitely, leading to memory leaks.

This issue is exacerbated when large objects are stored in ThreadLocal variables or when the application creates a large number of ThreadLocal variables. Without proper management and cleanup, these objects can consume significant memory resources, degrading application performance and stability.

Inconsistent State in Multi-threaded Applications

In multi-threaded applications, managing the state of ThreadLocal variables can be challenging. Since each thread maintains its own separate copy of the ThreadLocal variable, ensuring consistency across these variables can be complex. In scenarios where the state needs to be shared or synchronized across threads, ThreadLocal may not be the appropriate choice. This limitation necessitates a careful assessment of the application’s requirements and a thorough understanding of how ThreadLocal variables are managed within the application’s threading model.

Understanding the thread safety aspects of ThreadLocal in Java is crucial for effective multi-threaded programming. While ThreadLocal provides a convenient way to store thread-specific data, it is not a panacea for all threading issues and must be used with an understanding of its limitations. Recognizing the nuances of thread safety, the risks of memory leaks, and the challenges of maintaining a consistent state across threads is essential for building robust and reliable Java applications.

In Conclusion

In this comprehensive exploration of ThreadLocal dangers in Java, we’ve journeyed from understanding its fundamental concepts to uncovering its potential dangers and best practices for safe usage. ThreadLocal can be a powerful tool when applied correctly, offering thread-specific data storage without the need for synchronization. However, it’s essential to approach it with caution and clarity.

We’ve learned that ThreadLocal’s purpose lies in providing thread-isolated data, but its misuse can lead to memory leaks and unexpected issues in multi-threaded applications. By following the best practices outlined here, you can harness the benefits of ThreadLocal while minimizing its risks.

Remember that a deep comprehension of when and where to use ThreadLocal is paramount, and thorough testing is your ally in ensuring the reliability of your code. ThreadLocal’s place in Java’s concurrent world is clear: it allows for efficient, thread-specific data management when used responsibly.

As you continue your journey in Java development, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the terrain of multi-threaded programming, making the most of ThreadLocal while avoiding its potential pitfalls. Ultimately, ThreadLocal is a valuable tool in your toolkit, enhancing the performance and reliability of your Java applications when wielded with care and expertise.

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Java, a robust and widely-used programming language, stands out for its efficient handling of data types. Central to its functionality are the Java primitives and their corresponding wrapper classes. This article delves into the essence of Java primitives, their types, and the distinction between primitive and non-primitive data types, including examples to illustrate these concepts.
Java • Primitive int vs Integer Best Practices
Post Date: 07 Nov 2023
In Java, one of the foundational decisions developers must make pertains to choosing between primitive types and their corresponding wrapper classes, such as int and Integer. Both have their place in Java applications, and understanding their differences is paramount for writing efficient and effective code.
Java • Harnessing Static and Default Methods in Interfaces
Post Date: 06 Nov 2023
The arrival of static and default methods in Java 8 marked a significant shift in interface capabilities, expanding their functionality and versatility in Java’s object-oriented ecosystem. This article explores the nuances of these features and their impacts on Java programming, simplifying complex concepts and illustrating their practical applications in modern software development.
Java Modern Collection Utilities
Post Date: 06 Nov 2023
Java’s evolution has always been about simplifying complexity and enhancing efficiency. The collection utilities have undergone significant improvements since JDK 8, transitioning from the Collections utility class to the intuitive List.of(), Map.of(), and Set.of() methods.
Java • AssertJ vs Hamcrest Assertion Frameworks
Post Date: 27 Oct 2023
When working with testing frameworks like JUnit or TestNG, selecting the right assertion framework can significantly enhance the readability of your test code and improve the overall quality of your tests. Two of the most popular Java assertion frameworks are AssertJ and Hamcrest.
Java • Unit Testing Best Practices
Post Date: 26 Oct 2023
Unit testing is a fundamental aspect of software development, ensuring that each individual unit of source code is thoroughly examined and validated for correctness. With Java being one of the most widely used programming languages, it is crucial to adhere to the best practices for unit testing in Java to maintain the integrity and performance of the software.
Logback for Beginners
Post Date: 19 Oct 2023
Logback, a Java-based logging framework within the SLF4J (Simple Logging Facade for Java) ecosystem, is the preferred choice in the Java community, serving as an enhanced successor to the popular Log4j project. It not only carries forward the legacy of Log4j but also brings to the table a quicker implementation, more comprehensive configuration options, and enhanced flexibility for archiving old log files.
Java • Modern Looping And Filtering with Stream API
Post Date: 19 Oct 2023
Java has constantly evolved since its inception, presenting developers with numerous tools and methods to make coding more efficient and readable. Among these are modern techniques for looping and filtering data.
Java • Converting Strings To List
Post Date: 19 Oct 2023
When it comes to working with Java, converting strings into lists is a common and essential operation that can significantly enhance your data processing capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just starting, mastering this technique will prove to be invaluable in your coding endeavors.
Java var Best Practices
Post Date: 18 Oct 2023
Java, with each release and update, continually evolves to simplify the developer’s journey while preserving its core tenets of readability and robustness. One of the notable introductions in Java 10 was the var keyword. As with most new features, it sparked debates and questions regarding its efficacy and best practices.
URI vs URL in Java
Post Date: 16 Oct 2023
In the realm of Java and web development, the terms URL and URI often emerge in discussions, leaving some in a quagmire of confusion. This article aims to elucidate the disparities between the two, elucidating their syntax, utilization in Java, and the nuances that set them apart.
Java vs JavaScript • Which Is In More Demand?
Post Date: 02 Oct 2023
Java and JavaScript, despite their similar names, serve distinct purposes within the realm of software development. As both languages continue to evolve and find niches in the modern tech landscape, it’s crucial to understand their differences and their respective market demands.
Java Cloning Strategies
Post Date: 23 Jun 2023
Object copying is a fundamental aspect of Java programming, finding relevance and utility in diverse contexts. Whether it’s creating independent copies of objects, maintaining object state, or avoiding unintended side effects, understanding efficient and reliable cloning strategies is essential.
Java Comprehensive Guide
Post Date: 17 May 2023
Java is a versatile programming language that has gained widespread popularity for its platform independence and robustness. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of Java programming, covering essential concepts, tools, and best practices.
Java • Converting Strings To Map
Post Date: 03 May 2023
This article discusses converting a string of key-value pairs that are delimited by a specific character, known as a delimiter, into a Map in Java.
Maven vs Gradle
Post Date: 01 May 2023
Maven and Gradle are two of the most popular build automation tools for Java-based projects. Both tools are designed to simplify the build process, manage dependencies, and facilitate project organization.
Java 19 Virtual Threads
Post Date: 04 Apr 2023
In this article, we will provide an overview of virtual threads in Java and their use in concurrent programming. We will define what virtual threads are and how they differ from normal threads. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits of virtual threads over traditional concurrency approaches and provide code examples to illustrate the differences between the two.
Decoupling Domain Objects: Simplifying System Architecture
Post Date: 31 Mar 2023
When you design an object-oriented system from top to bottom, sometimes the objects that represent the “domain” (what the system is about) don’t match the objects that represent the “entities” (what the system stores). To solve this problem, you can use a technique called “decoupling” to separate the layers of objects.
Java Final Modifier
Post Date: 27 Mar 2023
In Java, the final keyword (also known as a modifier) is used to mark a variable, method, or class as immutable, meaning its value or behavior cannot be modified once it has been initialized.
Java Records
Post Date: 14 Mar 2023
A Java record is a new feature introduced in Java 14 that allows developers to create a class that is primarily used to store data. A record is essentially a concise way to define a class that consists mainly of state (fields) and accessors (getters).
Java 17 Features
Post Date: 14 Mar 2023
JDK 17, introduces several new features and improvements, including enhanced random number generators, new encoding-specific methods for the String class, and default classes for Java ciphers. It also removes the experimental AOT and JIT compilers, and introduces support for Sealed Classes and Records. These changes provide developers with more flexibility and control, making it easier to write efficient and secure Java applications.
Java Optional - Why Developers Prefer Optional Values
Post Date: 12 May 2019
This article discusses the use of Java Optional to introduce optional values instead of null. We will deep dive into understanding why developers prefer the Optional class to clearly communicate an optional value as opposed to a vague null representation of a variable.
Java • Int to String Conversion Guide
Post Date: 11 May 2019
In Java, often times the ability to return a string representing the specified integer is a common task. This article illustrates several mechanisms to convert int to a string in Java. In the opposite scenario, the means to resolve an integer representing the value of the specified String. The returned value is an Integer object that is the equivalent integer value of the argument string.
Java • Double to String Conversion | Beginner's Guide
Post Date: 11 May 2019
Converting double to a String value in Java has been a typical task to do for software development. This article discusses the various ways on how to convert a double to a string in Java. While there are advantages in representing a double to its String object representation, the opposite task of converting a String object to a double can also be addressed. This document examines the reasons why conversions of double in Java are beneficial for beginners who are learning to develop in java.
Setting Java Compiler Version in Maven
Post Date: 27 Aug 2018
This document demonstrates ways to set the java compiler version in maven via the maven.compiler.target property and the maven-compiler-plugin configuration section.
Getting Started with Maven Build System in Java Projects
Post Date: 16 Aug 2018
The following page will illustrate how to get started with the maven build system in your java projects.  Use this guide as a reference when using Maven for the very first time.
Getting Started With Java
Post Date: 15 Aug 2018
The following page will illustrate how to get started with the Java Programming Language.  In addition, this document provides an overview of how to install java and the environment variables you will need to set.  A hands-on approach illustrates how to compile and run your first Hello World java code.
Getting Started With Gradle
Post Date: 14 Aug 2018
The following page will be an excellent guide with getting started with the gradle build system in your Java™ projects.  Use this guide as a reference when using Gradle as a build system for the very first time.