Explore the evolution of Java and the challenges of programming language design in this insightful conference talk by Brian Goetz, Java Language Architect. Discover the delicate balance between adding new capabilities and maintaining compatibility with existing code and developer expectations. Learn valuable lessons on steering a mature programming language through major changes, including the importance of consistency, memory efficiency, and managing developer expectations. Gain a sneak peek into the future of the Java platform and understand the pragmatic approach to shipping software. Delve into topics such as value types, generics, and the impact of changing hardware on language design. Conclude with a Q&A session to further explore the intricacies of Java's evolution and future directions.