Currently `const` is limited to strings & numbers, but Java 11+ supports dynamic constants. Any ...

# language-evolution

[JP Sugarbroad]

Currently const is limited to strings & numbers, but Java 11+ supports dynamic constants. Any thoughts on whether it's worth adding them?

[ephemient]

constant-pool entry tags: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jvms/se23/html/jvms-4.html#jvms-4.4
CONSTANT_Dynamic is then used for https://docs.oracle.com/en/java/javase/23/docs/api/java.base/java/lang/invoke/ConstantBootstraps.html types

[JP Sugarbroad]

Yes, but there's nothing stopping us adding new bootstraps.

[ephemient]

well not if you want to run on Android, but on JVM sure

[JP Sugarbroad]

Android 11 claims Java 11 compatibility, though.

[ephemient]

Android versions doesn't map exactly to Java versions. most Java 11 APIs are supported, some are not

[JP Sugarbroad]

My mistake, it was Android 12.

[JP Sugarbroad]

And I'm aware of the limitations.

[JP Sugarbroad]

Same limitation applies to people who want to target Java 8.

[ephemient]

Android 12's adds invoke-polymorphic which can handle invoke-dynamic use cases. that doesn't mean there is an equivalent for CONSTANT_Dynamic. https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/198142625

[JP Sugarbroad]

Huh, TIL.

[JP Sugarbroad]

Bah, probably not worth it for a Java-only feature.