Evolution of Java

Creation of Java

May 23, 1995

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/overview/javahistory-index-198355.html
(exact date found: Link text)
In Sun Microsystems, the Green Team, led by James Gosling, began Java in 1991, known then as Oak, in order to create a simple software for electronic devices, but then later focused on Internet as the Internet became prevalent.
In 1995, the program was tested to be compatible.
Arguably, Java is an innovation of C and C++ as it is derived from them.

JDK 1.1

Feb 19, 1997

http://www.javaworld.com/article/2077643/core-java/the-pros-and-cons-of-jdk-1-1.html The first new innovation off the first version (JDK 1.0) increased the functionality of Java through a more stable (increase in security) and speedy environment for creating and opening programs.
Additionally, other features were added such as Inner Classes (for organization) and IO (for ability to easily write programs) that increased the speed and quality along with the versatility.

J2SE 1.2 (Java 2 Platform Standard Edition)

Dec 8, 1998

http://www.edm2.com/index.php/Java_1.1,_1.2_and_1.3--what's_the_difference%3F
With the release of Java 1.2, it was relabeled to mark a new generation of Java as it had a lot of additions and progressions. Similar to before, security was strengthened, but Java 2 also added on Swing, drag and drop, and collections framework that allowed the program to be more interactive and a wider scope as more data structures were added. Overall, it was a step towards the infinite possibilities of Java.

J2SE 1.3

May 8, 2000

http://www.developer.com/java/ent/article.php/604831/The-new-features-of-JDK-13---quotKestrelquot.htm
This innovation was mainly enhancements to older additions that still were significant as it increased the functionality of them. Other than enhancements, a notable change was Java Sound, where audio files were supported for Java.

J2SE 1.4

Feb 6, 2002

http://way2java.com/java-versions-2/jdk-1-4-j2se-4-version/
Assertions are the main advancement in this version. It is used for debugging, or to check the accuracy of the information. Exception chaining, also added, helped in knowing the cause of the problem. By changing this, it shows a change of interest as Java starts to focus more on the code functionality and ability to fix and understand the code after it has successfully increased its speed with earlier versions.

J2SE 5

Sep 30, 2004

https://www.cs.indiana.edu/classes/jett/sstamm/
The addition of both generics and another way to write for/in loops create an added versatility to the program and avoid repetitive or unnecessary code. Other additions even changed how something was written (auto/unboxing)
This version involved several "minor" tweaks that in turn created a simpler syntax, changed some meaning of the initial Java programming language, and in general, reduced/removed the amount of unnecessary steps for a code.

Java SE 6

Dec 11, 2006

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/articles/javase/beta2-135158.html
Java is usually an independent language, but with this version, it begins to branch out and unite. It adds the function of Scripting, which allows different types of scripting languages to be incorporated with Java. This encourages usage of Java as it is easier to access.
Just like the other versions, this version also increases security.

Java SE 7

Jul 28, 2011

https://www.oreilly.com/learning/java7-features
Programmers are known for choosing the simplest routes, and Java 7 begins to incorporate shorter ways to convey the same meaning (using the diamond operator). Both in changing the way programmers are to use functions, more options are also given; Java 7 includes another type of data type (string) that can be used in a switch statement. These changes go for a simple syntax and a more readable one, as they also allow underscores to shorten values.

Java SE 8

Mar 18, 2014

https://www.toptal.com/java/why-you-need-to-upgrade-to-java-8-already
The main addition in this version is a new, simpler way to produce the same results (lambda expressions); Java is innovated from its initial, common way to code into a more easier and shorter way, expanding the ability and convenience, as was the main goal for Java 8 innovation. Stream API also created an easy and short expression to filter, count, or map collections.

Java SE 9

Jul 22, 2017

http://blog.takipi.com/5-features-in-java-9-that-will-change-how-you-develop-software-and-2-that-wont/
(exact date unknown)
Initially, it was supposed to be release September 22, 2016, but was delayed to March 23. 2017. then delayed again to be roughly in late July 2017.
This version will come with features that will simplify the Java programming language (jshell), shorten pauses due to long programs, and continue broadening as it becomes easier to interact with operating systems.