JDK 8 Lambda Expressions HackDay

This is an unmissable chance to learn more about, experiment with, and perhaps even influence, the next version of Java.

Java 8 will ship with a powerful new abstraction - Lambda Expressions (aka Closures) and a completely retooled set of Collections libraries. These new features are now stable enough for developers to get a first look at them and start to see how they will transform your Java code. But that's not all! The engineers working on the features are very keen to have a broader set of use cases, and to hear the feedback of developers who have gone a little deeper with the features. So we're holding an event to allow you to do exactly that.

Hosted by the LJC's very own Ben Evans and Richard Warburton, this is a weekend event designed to give you enough time to learn about the new language features and then collaborate on some actual coding using these features!

The day kicks off with a presentation by Richard and Ben about how lambdas work, including detail of the new methods on the collections libraries, and the default methods feature (which has the potential to reshape the way that Java implements object orientation).

After that, we'll divide up into teams to focus on actually working with the new features with a JDK 8 beta build. The list of coding projects is still being finalised (so get in touch if you've a burning desire to work on something specific which isn't on our list) - but will include projects such as converting some popular Open Source libraries (including Cassandra, Checkstyle & Voldemort) to use JDK 8 collections and lambdas.

There will be several instructors on hand to help the groups with getting started and with any problems with using lambdas or the beta builds. We'll aim to finish mid-afternoon, so that all the feedback can be collected and captured before heading to a nearby pub for a well-earned pint.

This event is kindly sponsored by Xebia! Xebia is an international IT consultancy and project management and training organization with offices in France the Netherlands, India, the US & the UK.

Xebia is focused on Enterprise Java technology, Agile development methods and outsourcing services. We consist of over 250 professionals, all committed to be the best in their field of expertise. Passion for in depth technology, in combination with Lean, Agile and Scrum practices are Xebia’s driving factors and competitive edge. We have recently opened a Java Enterprise and Agile training practice in partnership with JClarity in London ( http://www.xebia-training.com ).