Java 11 is a long-term support (LTS) version of the Java programming language, released in September 2018. It builds upon previous versions by introducing new features and enhancements, making it easier for developers to write efficient and maintainable code. Key improvements include the var keyword for local variable type inference and the HttpClient API for easier handling of HTTP requests. This version also removes several deprecated features and libraries, streamlining the language. With its focus on performance and security, Java 11 is widely adopted in enterprise applications and is supported by major frameworks like Spring and Hibernate.