Written by Java's inventors and current stewards, this is the definitive Java SE 7 language reference. It meticulously explains Java SE 7's syntax, semantics, and constructs, thoroughly defining the language's current state and evolution. A "software-engineering-level" discussion of how the newest version of Java is organized and how it works, it reflects all recent changes to the language, demonstrating them through dozens of example programs -- most of them in "ready to execute" form. The Java Language Specification, Java SE 7 Edition includes a full chapter describing the semantics of threads and locks, and specifying a memory model for high-performance shared memory multiprocessor implementations. It covers all of the practical new features specified by JSR 334, Small Enhancements to the Java Programming Language: features intended to help programmers become far more productive on a day-to-day basis. The authors also explain how Java SE 7 accommodates non-Java languages (including dynamically-typed languages such as Clojure, Groovy and Scala) and present specific information on important modifications to method invocation (JSR 292). This reference will be an indispensable resource for hardcore Java developers who want to know exactly how the language works under the hood, and why it works that way -- so they can create programs that deliver outstanding performance, efficiency, and reliability.