How has character encodings and Charset changed in recent Java versions?

Character encodings and the handling of Charset in Java have evolved significantly over recent versions. With the growing need for internationalization and better support for various languages, Java has improved its Charset capabilities, making it easier for developers to work with different character sets.

Java introduced the Charset.forName(String charsetName) method, which allows for the specification of any character encoding by name. This method checks for the availability of the requested charset and throws an exception if it is not supported, ensuring developers handle character encoding issues more effectively.

In Java 9, new features were added, including additional charsets and improved support for the standard charsets. Furthermore, enhancements in performance when dealing with character encodings were made, which are beneficial for high-performance applications.

This evolution is valuable for applications that require proper handling of text data across different platforms and systems, and it supports a diverse range of languages and traditions.