Java Final Modifier
Overview
In Java, the final keyword (also known as a modifier) is used to mark a variable, method, or class as immutable, meaning its value or behavior cannot be modified once it has been initialized. The final modifier can be applied to class fields, local variables, method parameters, methods, and classes.
Class Fields
public class MyClass {
// final class field
public static final int MY_CONSTANT = 42;
}
In this example, the MY_CONSTANT field is declared as both static and final. This means that it is a class-level field, and its value cannot be changed once it is initialized. If a field is declared as final, it cannot be reassigned after it is initialized in the constructor.
Local Variables or Method Parameters
When applied to local variables or method parameters, the final modifier indicates that the variable or parameter’s value cannot be changed after it has been initialized. This can help to prevent bugs and improve code readability by making it clear which variables are meant to be constant. Using the final keyword on variables declared within a method or method parameters in Java can have benefits in terms of improving code clarity, readability, and maintainability.
Here are some potential benefits:
-
Clarifying intent: By marking a variable as final, you are explicitly indicating that the value of the variable should not change. This can help other developers who read your code understand your intent more clearly.
-
Avoiding accidental reassignment: If you accidentally try to reassign a final variable within the method, you will get a compile-time error. This can help catch potential bugs and make your code more robust.
-
Improving thread safety: If a final variable is used within a multithreaded application, it will be guaranteed to be read-only once it is initialized. This can help prevent race conditions and other thread-safety issues.
-
Enforcing immutability: If you are working with immutable objects, marking variables as final can help enforce immutability and prevent accidental changes to the state of the object.
-
Enabling inlining: In some cases, marking a variable as final can help the Java compiler optimize your code by allowing it to inline the variable’s value instead of reading it from memory repeatedly.
It’s worth noting that using the final keyword on variables within a method should not be overused. While it can be helpful in some cases, using it excessively can make your code harder to read and understand. As with any programming construct, it’s important to use final judiciously and only when it provides real benefits.
Example: Local Variable
public void printMessage() {
final String message = "Hello, World!"; // Declare a final local variable
System.out.println(message); // Output the message
// message = "Goodbye, World!"; // This line would result in a compilation error
}
In this example, the final modifier is used to declare a local variable message within the printMessage method. The final modifier ensures that the value of message cannot be changed after it is initialized to the string “Hello, World!”. If we tried to reassign message to a different value, such as “Goodbye, World!”, we would get a compilation error. By using the final modifier, we are indicating that message is a constant variable that should not be changed.
Example: Method Parameter
public void printMessage(final String message) { // Declare a final method parameter
System.out.println(message); // Output the message
// message = "Goodbye, World!"; // This line would result in a compilation error
}
In this example, the final modifier is used to declare a method parameter message for the printMessage method. Like the previous example, the final modifier ensures that the value of message cannot be changed within the method. If we tried to reassign message to a different value, we would get a compilation error. By using the final modifier, we are indicating that message is a constant parameter that should not be changed within the method.
Methods
When the final modifier is applied to a method in Java, it signifies that the method’s implementation cannot be changed by any of its subclasses. This can be particularly useful in situations where you want to ensure that a specific method always operates in the same way, regardless of the particular subclass that is invoking it.
By preventing subclasses from altering the method’s implementation, you can rely on the method’s behavior to remain consistent and predictable throughout the entire inheritance hierarchy. This can be important when you’re working on a large and complex project with many different classes and subclasses, as it can help reduce the risk of unexpected behavior arising from changes made to a subclass’s implementation of a method.
Additionally, using the final modifier in this way can help enforce good coding practices and design principles, such as encapsulation and abstraction. By preventing subclasses from changing a method’s behavior, you can help ensure that your code is more modular and maintainable, and that changes made in one part of the codebase do not have unexpected consequences in other areas.
Example
public class Vehicle {
private int speed;
public final void start() {
speed = 0;
System.out.println("Vehicle has started.");
}
public void accelerate(int amount) {
speed += amount;
System.out.println("Vehicle is now traveling at " + speed + " mph.");
}
}
public class Car extends Vehicle {
public void stπart() {
System.out.println("Car has started.");
super.start();
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Vehicle vehicle = new Vehicle();
vehicle.start();
vehicle.accelerate(20);
Car car = new Car();
car.start();
car.accelerate(20);
}
}
In this example, we have a Vehicle class with a start method that is marked as final. This means that subclasses of Vehicle (like Car) cannot override the implementation of the start method.
When we create a Vehicle object and call its start method, we see the message “Vehicle has started.” printed to the console. When we create a Car object and call its start method, we see the message “Car has started.” printed to the console, followed by “Vehicle has started.” This is because the start method in Car calls the start method in Vehicle using the super keyword.
If we had not marked the start method in Vehicle as final, the start method in Car would have overridden it and we would have seen the message “Car has started.” printed twice.
By marking the start method as final, we ensure that it always behaves in the same way, regardless of the subclass that is calling it. This can be useful in situations where you want to enforce a particular behavior throughout your codebase.
Classes
When applied to classes, the final modifier indicates that the class cannot be subclassed. This can be useful in situations where you want to ensure that a particular class’s behavior cannot be modified by other classes.
Example
public final class MyOperation {
public static final double PI = 3.14159;
public static int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
public static int subtract(int a, int b) {
return a - b;
}
// Other math methods...
}
public class MyAdvancedOperation extends MyOperation {
// This will cause a compilation error because MyOperation is _final_
}
In this example, we have a MyOperation class that is marked as final. This means that other classes cannot subclass MyOperation and modify its behavior.
We’ve also defined a few static methods and a static constant (PI) in MyOperation. These can be used throughout our codebase without fear of them being overridden or modified by other classes.
If we try to create a subclass of MyOperation (like MyAdvancedOperation), we’ll get a compilation error because MyOperation is marked as final. This ensures that the behavior of Operation cannot be modified by other classes, which can be useful in situations where you want to ensure the integrity of a particular class’s behavior throughout your codebase.
Note that marking a class as final does not prevent you from creating instances of that class. It simply prevents other classes from subclassing it.
Similarity with Sealed Classes
The sealed keyword in Java (starting from Java 17) and final keyword are similar in that they both restrict the ways in which a class can be used or modified.
However, there are some important differences:
-
final classes cannot be subclassed at all, while sealed classes allow only a limited set of subclasses. When a class is marked as final, no other class can subclass it. When a class is marked as sealed, other classes can still subclass it, but only a predefined set of subclasses are allowed. The set of allowed subclasses is defined using the permits keyword in the sealed class declaration.
-
final classes guarantee that no other class can modify their behavior, while sealed classes only guarantee that certain subclasses will behave in a particular way. When a class is marked as final, it cannot be subclassed or modified in any way. When a class is marked as sealed, other classes can still subclass it and potentially modify its behavior. However, the sealed keyword guarantees that only a limited set of subclasses will behave in a particular way, which can help prevent unintended modifications to the sealed class’s behavior.
Here’s an example to illustrate the difference:
public sealed class Vehicle permits Car, Truck {
// ...
}
public final class Car extends Vehicle {
// ...
}
public final class Truck extends Vehicle {
// ...
}
public final class Bike {
// This will cause a compilation error because Bike is not in the list of permitted subclasses for Vehicle
}
In this example, we have a Vehicle class that is marked as sealed. This means that only a predefined set of subclasses (Car and Truck) are allowed to subclass it.
We’ve also defined Car and Truck classes that subclass Vehicle. These subclasses are guaranteed to behave in a particular way, as specified by the Vehicle class. However, no other classes can subclass Vehicle or modify its behavior.
If we try to create a subclass of Vehicle that is not in the list of permitted subclasses (like Bike), we’ll get a compilation error because Bike is not allowed to subclass Vehicle.
Overall, the sealed keyword provides more flexibility than the final keyword, while still allowing you to restrict the ways in which a class can be used or modified.
General Benefits
Firstly, There can be benefits during runtime when using the final keyword with a class field in Java. Using final on class fields can make the code more maintainable and less prone to bugs, as it helps to enforce immutability and prevent accidental modification of the field’s value. By guaranteeing that the field’s value is not going to change, you can avoid unexpected behavior caused by unintentional modifications.
Secondly, the use of final on class fields can also improve performance in certain cases. Since the value of a final field is known at compile-time, the Java compiler can perform certain optimizations that it might not otherwise be able to do. For example, the compiler can inline the value of the field directly into the code, eliminating the need to access the field at runtime. This can lead to faster execution times and lower memory usage.
Finally, using final on class fields can also improve code readability by making it clear that a particular variable is meant to be a constant or immutable value. This can make the code easier to understand and maintain over time.
General Caveats
There are a few caveats to consider when using the final keyword in java.
-
Initialization requirements: When using the final keyword on a class field, you must ensure that the field is initialized before the object is used. This can be done either by initializing the field when it is declared, or by initializing it in the class constructor. If the field is not initialized before it is used, you will get a compilation error.
-
Immutability of the object: When you use the final keyword on a class field, you are making the reference to the object immutable, but not the object itself. This means that you can still change the state of the object, but you cannot assign a new object to the reference. If the object itself needs to be immutable, you will need to use other mechanisms to ensure that the state of the object cannot be changed.
-
Performance considerations: In some cases, using the final keyword on a class field can have a positive impact on performance. This is because the JVM can optimize the access to final fields, since it knows that the value of the field will never change. However, in other cases, using final can actually have a negative impact on performance, since it can prevent certain optimizations that the JVM would otherwise make.
-
Inheritance: When a class is extended, the final keyword on a field will prevent the field from being overridden in the subclass. This can be either desirable or undesirable, depending on the situation.
-
Serialization: If a final field is not marked as transient, it will be serialized along with the object. This can cause issues if the serialized object is deserialized into a different version of the class, since the field may no longer exist or may have a different value.
Overall, the final keyword can be a powerful tool for ensuring immutability and thread safety in your Java code, but it must be used carefully and thoughtfully to avoid unexpected behavior or performance issues.
The ‘final’ Conclusion
In this session, we discussed the final keyword in Java and how it can be used to restrict the ways in which classes, methods, and variables can be used or modified.
When the final modifier is applied to local variables or method parameters, it means that the value of the variable or parameter cannot be changed once it has been initialized. This can help prevent bugs and make it easier to understand which variables are supposed to be constant.
When applied to class fields, the final modifier ensures that the field can only be assigned a value once, typically during object construction. This can help prevent accidental modifications to the field’s value.
When applied to methods, the final modifier indicates that the method’s implementation cannot be overridden by subclasses. This can be useful in situations where you want to ensure that a particular method always behaves the same way, regardless of the subclass that is calling it.
When applied to classes, the final modifier indicates that the class cannot be subclassed. This can be useful in situations where you want to ensure that a particular class’s behavior cannot be modified by other classes.
We also discussed the new sealed keyword in Java 17, which provides more flexibility than the final keyword, while still allowing you to restrict the ways in which a class can be used or modified. Sealed classes allow only a limited set of subclasses, which can help prevent unintended modifications to the sealed class’s behavior.
Overall, the final keyword and sealed keyword provide powerful ways to restrict the ways in which your code can be used or modified, helping you to write more reliable, maintainable code.
Java • Mastering New Stream Collector Methods
Post Date: 02 Jan 2024
Stream processing in Java has revolutionized how we handle data, offering a functional approach to manipulate collections. With the release of new versions, Java continues to enhance this capability, introducing more intuitive and concise methods to collect and transform data streams.
Java • Dynamic Proxy vs CGLIB
Post Date: 28 Dec 2023
The comparison between Java Dynamic Proxy and CGLIB represents a critical discussion in the realm of Java programming. In this article, we explore the distinct features, advantages, and use cases of Java Dynamic Proxy and CGLIB, offering insights for developers to make informed choices in their projects.
Embed from Getty Images
Java Dynamic Proxy, a part of the Java Reflection API, and CGLIB, a powerful, high-performance code generation library, each bring unique capabilities to the table.
Java • Beginners Guide To Reflection
Post Date: 28 Dec 2023
Java Reflection is a pivotal feature in Java programming, offering dynamic class manipulation. This guide introduces Java Reflection to beginners, illustrating its significance for Java developers. Reflection allows for runtime interactions with classes, enabling tasks like accessing private fields and methods, and creating objects dynamically.
Intro To Java Dynamic Proxies
Post Date: 27 Dec 2023
Java dynamic proxies represent a powerful and often underutilized feature in the Java programming language. At its core, a Java dynamic proxy is a mechanism that allows developers to create a proxy instance for interfaces at runtime. This is achieved through Java’s built-in reflection capabilities. Dynamic proxies are primarily used for intercepting method calls, enabling developers to add additional processing around the actual method invocation.
Java • Intro To CGLIB Proxies
Post Date: 27 Dec 2023
In this introductory article, we delve into the world of CGLIB Proxies, a powerful tool for enhancing the functionality of Java applications. We explore how CGLIB, as a bytecode generation library, offers dynamic proxy capabilities, essential for developers looking to create robust and flexible software.
Mastering Java Parallel Streams: Enhancing Performance in Modern Applications
Post Date: 24 Dec 2023
Java’s Evolution to Parallel Streams: Java, an ever-evolving and versatile programming language, has made significant strides in adapting to the dynamic landscape of modern application development. A landmark in this journey was the introduction of parallel streams with Java 8, a feature that fundamentally transformed how developers optimize performance and enhance efficiency in their applications.
Java • Guide to Stream Concatenation
Post Date: 24 Dec 2023
Java, a versatile and widely-used programming language, offers robust features for data handling, one of which is stream concatenation in its API. Stream concatenation allows developers to combine multiple data streams efficiently, enhancing data processing capabilities in Java applications. This article delves into the nuances of stream concatenation, providing insights and best practices for Java developers looking to optimize data handling in their applications.
Java • ThreadLocal Alternatives
Post Date: 22 Dec 2023
In this article, we delve into the realm of Java concurrency, focusing on ThreadLocal and its alternatives. ThreadLocal is a fundamental tool in Java for managing thread-scoped data, but it’s not without its drawbacks. We’ll explore the challenges associated with ThreadLocal, shedding light on why developers often seek alternatives. The article will also introduce ScopedValue, a less familiar but significant option, and compare it with ThreadLocal.
Java • Intro to InheritableThreadLocal
Post Date: 22 Dec 2023
In the realm of Java programming, InheritableThreadLocal stands out as a pivotal yet frequently overlooked component, especially in the domain of sophisticated multithreading. This distinctive feature in Java’s concurrency toolkit allows data to be passed seamlessly from a parent thread to its child threads, ensuring a level of continuity and state management that is crucial in complex applications.
Java • Try With Resources Practical Example
Post Date: 21 Dec 2023
Java’s introduction of the try-with-resources statement revolutionized resource management, simplifying code and enhancing reliability. This feature, integral to Java’s exception handling mechanism, automatically manages resources like files and sockets, ensuring they are closed properly after operations, thus preventing resource leaks. Our discussion will delve into a practical example to understand how try-with-resources works and its benefits over traditional resource management techniques.
Java • ThreadLocal vs Thread
Post Date: 21 Dec 2023
Java, as a versatile and powerful programming language, offers various mechanisms to handle multithreading and concurrency. Two such concepts, Thread and ThreadLocal, are pivotal in Java’s approach to multi-threaded programming. Understanding the distinction between these two, as well as their respective advantages and limitations, is crucial for any Java developer aiming to write efficient and robust multi-threaded applications.
Java • ThreadLocal Usecase In Servlet Filters
Post Date: 19 Dec 2023
ThreadLocal in Java serves as a powerful mechanism for ensuring thread safety and managing data that is specific to individual threads, especially in multi-threaded environments like web servers. This article delves into the application of ThreadLocal in the context of Servlet Filters, an integral part of Java web applications. We explore how ThreadLocal can be strategically used to enhance performance, maintain clean code, and ensure thread safety in Servlet Filters, making your Java web applications more robust and efficient.
Java • Understanding the Dangers of ThreadLocal
Post Date: 19 Dec 2023
In this article, we delve into the intricate world of Java programming, focusing on a specialized feature: ThreadLocal. Known for its ability to store data specific to a particular thread, ThreadLocal plays a crucial role in Java’s multi-threading capabilities. However, it’s not without its pitfalls. This exploration aims to unravel the complexities and potential dangers associated with ThreadLocal, providing insights for both seasoned and budding Java developers.
Java • ThreadLocal Best Practices
Post Date: 19 Dec 2023
Java’s ThreadLocal is a powerful yet intricate component in concurrent programming, offering unique challenges and opportunities for developers. This article delves into the best practices for using ThreadLocal in Java, ensuring optimal performance and maintainability. By understanding its proper usage, developers can harness the full potential of ThreadLocal to manage data that is thread-specific, thereby enhancing application efficiency and robustness in multi-threaded environments.
Java • Logback Mapped Diagnostic Context (MDC) in Action
Post Date: 18 Dec 2023
Java’s Logback framework offers a robust and flexible logging system, pivotal for any software development project. Among its features, the Mapped Diagnostic Context (MDC) stands out for its utility in providing contextual information in log messages.
Java • Logback Propagating MDC To Child Thread
Post Date: 16 Dec 2023
Java’s Logback framework stands as a robust logging tool in Java applications, known for its enhanced flexibility and configurability. A pivotal feature of Logback is the Mapped Diagnostic Context (MDC), instrumental in enriching log messages with context-specific information. However, developers often encounter the challenge of propagating MDC data to child threads, a key step in maintaining contextual continuity in multi-threaded environments.
Java • Logback MDC In Thread Pools
Post Date: 16 Dec 2023
Java Logback, a versatile logging framework, is essential for developers seeking efficient debugging and monitoring solutions. This article dives into the nuances of managing the Mapped Diagnostic Context (MDC) within a thread pool environment, a scenario common in Java applications. We’ll explore how Logback’s sophisticated features can be leveraged to handle MDC data safely and efficiently, ensuring thread safety and data integrity.
Spring • Intro To Aspect-Oriented Programming
Post Date: 15 Dec 2023
Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) is an innovative programming paradigm that addresses concerns that cut across multiple classes in application development, such as logging, security, or transaction management. Spring AOP, a key component of the widely-used Spring Framework, provides an elegant solution to handle these cross-cutting concerns efficiently and in a modular way.
Java • Understanding Role Of Classloader
Post Date: 14 Dec 2023
In this article, we delve into the intricacies of Java’s Classloader, a fundamental component of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) that plays a crucial role in how Java applications run. We’ll explore the concept of Classloader, its functionality, and its significance in Java programming. By demystifying this complex element, the article aims to provide readers with a clear understanding of how Java classes are loaded and managed, enhancing their grasp of Java’s operational mechanisms.
What Is a Java Bytecode
Post Date: 12 Dec 2023
Java bytecode is a crucial element in the world of Java programming, serving as the intermediate representation of Java code that is executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This article aims to demystify Java bytecode, breaking down its structure, purpose, and functionality.
Java • How To Get Package Name
Post Date: 12 Dec 2023
Java, a robust and widely-used programming language, offers various ways to interact with its core components, such as packages and classes. Understanding how to retrieve package names in Java is crucial for developers, especially when dealing with large, complex projects.
Java • Pitfalls of Returning Null
Post Date: 10 Dec 2023
In the realm of Java programming, the use of null has been a topic of extensive discussion and analysis. This article delves into the nuances of returning null in Java, exploring its implications, best practices, and viable alternatives.
Initially, we will examine the concept of null in Java, its usage, and why it often becomes a source of debate among developers.
Java Streams • filter() & map() Beyond Basics
Post Date: 09 Dec 2023
Delving into the advanced aspects of Java Streams, this article ventures beyond the elementary use of filter() and map() functions. Aimed at developers who have a grasp on the basics, this piece aims to elevate your understanding to a more sophisticated level.
Java Optional • Common Mistakes and Misconceptions of map() & flatMap()
Post Date: 09 Dec 2023
Java’s Optional class, introduced in Java 8, is a pivotal tool for handling nulls effectively in Java applications. However, its map() and flatMap() methods often become sources of confusion and mistakes for many developers. This article dives into the intricacies of these methods, uncovering common misconceptions and errors.
Java Optional • map() vs flatMap()
Post Date: 08 Dec 2023
In this article, we delve into the intricate world of Java’s Optional class, focusing on two pivotal methods: map() and flatMap(). We’ll explore how these functions enhance code readability and error handling in Java, offering a nuanced understanding of their usage and benefits. The comparison between map() and flatMap() will illuminate their roles in functional programming, elucidating when and why to use each method effectively.
Java Stream • findFirst() and findAny() In Action
Post Date: 07 Dec 2023
In the realm of Java programming, stream operations offer powerful tools for processing sequences of elements. Among these, the findFirst() and findAny() methods are pivotal in retrieving elements from a stream. This article delves into the nuances of these methods, explicating their functionalities, differences, and appropriate use cases. Understanding these methods is crucial for Java developers looking to harness the full potential of stream processing.
Java • int vs long
Post Date: 07 Dec 2023
In Java programming, understanding data types is crucial for efficient and error-free coding. Two fundamental data types often encountered are int and long. This article delves into their differences, use cases, and how they impact Java applications. By comprehending the nuances between these types, developers can make informed decisions, optimizing their code for performance and precision.
Java • AtomicReference Expert Guide
Post Date: 07 Dec 2023
AtomicReference in Java is an intriguing feature that enhances the thread-safety of your applications. This guide dives into the intricacies of AtomicReference, explaining its functionality, benefits, and practical usage in Java development. We’ll explore its comparison with similar atomic classes and provide insights on when and how to effectively implement it in your projects.
Java • Custom Annotations In Action
Post Date: 06 Dec 2023
In the dynamic landscape of Java programming, custom annotations have become a pivotal tool, revolutionizing code development and maintenance. As specialized metadata, custom annotations in Java empower developers to infuse additional information into their code, enhancing readability, maintainability, and functionality. They simplify complex tasks like serialization and data validation, and improve communication in collaborative coding environments.
Functional Programming with Java
Post Date: 03 Dec 2023
Functional Programming (FP) in Java marks a significant shift towards a more efficient and clean coding paradigm, integrating core principles like immutability, pure functions, and higher-order functions into its traditional object-oriented framework. This article delves into the pivotal role of lambda expressions and the Stream API in enhancing code readability and performance.
Java vs. C#
Post Date: 29 Nov 2023
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of software development, Java and C# stand as two titans, each with its own unique strengths, philosophies, and ecosystems. This article delves into an in-depth comparison of Java and C#, exploring their historical context, language features, performance metrics, cross-platform capabilities, and much more.
Java • Mockito vs EasyMock
Post Date: 26 Nov 2023
Java, a widely-used programming language, has evolved significantly over the years, especially in the realm of testing. In this digital era, where software development is fast-paced and highly iterative, the importance of efficient and reliable testing frameworks cannot be overstated. Among the various tools and libraries available for Java developers, Mockito and EasyMock stand out as popular choices for unit testing.
Java • Single Responsibility Principle
Post Date: 23 Nov 2023
The Single Responsibility Principle (SRP), a fundamental concept within the SOLID principles, is crucial in Java programming. It dictates that each class should have only one reason to change, focusing on a single functionality or concern. This approach is particularly effective in Java, known for its robust object-oriented features, where SRP enhances maintainability, readability, and scalability of applications.
Java • Are Static Classes Things Of The Past?
Post Date: 22 Nov 2023
Static classes have been a staple in the programming world for decades. Traditionally, a static class is one where all members and functions are static, meaning they belong to the class itself rather than any specific instance of the class. This makes static classes an efficient tool for grouping related functions and data that do not require object instantiation to be accessed.
Java • Multiple Inheritance Using Interface
Post Date: 22 Nov 2023
Amongst the many facets of object-oriented programming, the concept of inheritance is fundamental. Multiple inheritance, a feature where a class can inherit from more than one superclass, can be particularly powerful but also complex. Java, however, does not support multiple inheritance directly in the way languages like C++ do. Instead, it offers a robust alternative through interfaces.
Java • Interfaces Are Replacing Abstract Classes
Post Date: 22 Nov 2023
The Java programming language, renowned for its robust structure and versatile capabilities, has witnessed a notable evolution in its fundamental components over the years. Among these, the role and functionality of interfaces and abstract classes have undergone significant changes, particularly with the introduction of new features in Java 8.
Java • Decoupling Arbitrary Objects Through Composition
Post Date: 22 Nov 2023
In the dynamic landscape of software development, the concept of object decoupling plays a pivotal role in crafting efficient, maintainable, and scalable applications. At its core, object decoupling refers to the design approach where components of a program are separated in such a manner that they are independent, yet functionally complete. This separation ensures that changes in one part of the system minimally impact other parts, facilitating easier updates, debugging, and enhancement.
Java Primitives & Primitive Wrappers
Post Date: 16 Nov 2023
Java, a robust and widely-used programming language, stands out for its efficient handling of data types. Central to its functionality are the Java primitives and their corresponding wrapper classes. This article delves into the essence of Java primitives, their types, and the distinction between primitive and non-primitive data types, including examples to illustrate these concepts.
Java • Primitive int vs Integer Best Practices
Post Date: 07 Nov 2023
In Java, one of the foundational decisions developers must make pertains to choosing between primitive types and their corresponding wrapper classes, such as int and Integer. Both have their place in Java applications, and understanding their differences is paramount for writing efficient and effective code.
Java • Harnessing Static and Default Methods in Interfaces
Post Date: 06 Nov 2023
The arrival of static and default methods in Java 8 marked a significant shift in interface capabilities, expanding their functionality and versatility in Java’s object-oriented ecosystem. This article explores the nuances of these features and their impacts on Java programming, simplifying complex concepts and illustrating their practical applications in modern software development.
Java Modern Collection Utilities
Post Date: 06 Nov 2023
Java’s evolution has always been about simplifying complexity and enhancing efficiency. The collection utilities have undergone significant improvements since JDK 8, transitioning from the Collections utility class to the intuitive List.of(), Map.of(), and Set.of() methods.
Java • AssertJ vs Hamcrest Assertion Frameworks
Post Date: 27 Oct 2023
When working with testing frameworks like JUnit or TestNG, selecting the right assertion framework can significantly enhance the readability of your test code and improve the overall quality of your tests. Two of the most popular Java assertion frameworks are AssertJ and Hamcrest.
Java • Unit Testing Best Practices
Post Date: 26 Oct 2023
Unit testing is a fundamental aspect of software development, ensuring that each individual unit of source code is thoroughly examined and validated for correctness. With Java being one of the most widely used programming languages, it is crucial to adhere to the best practices for unit testing in Java to maintain the integrity and performance of the software.
Logback for Beginners
Post Date: 19 Oct 2023
Logback, a Java-based logging framework within the SLF4J (Simple Logging Facade for Java) ecosystem, is the preferred choice in the Java community, serving as an enhanced successor to the popular Log4j project. It not only carries forward the legacy of Log4j but also brings to the table a quicker implementation, more comprehensive configuration options, and enhanced flexibility for archiving old log files.
Java • Modern Looping And Filtering with Stream API
Post Date: 19 Oct 2023
Java has constantly evolved since its inception, presenting developers with numerous tools and methods to make coding more efficient and readable. Among these are modern techniques for looping and filtering data.
Java • Converting Strings To List
Post Date: 19 Oct 2023
When it comes to working with Java, converting strings into lists is a common and essential operation that can significantly enhance your data processing capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just starting, mastering this technique will prove to be invaluable in your coding endeavors.
Java var Best Practices
Post Date: 18 Oct 2023
Java, with each release and update, continually evolves to simplify the developer’s journey while preserving its core tenets of readability and robustness. One of the notable introductions in Java 10 was the var keyword. As with most new features, it sparked debates and questions regarding its efficacy and best practices.
URI vs URL in Java
Post Date: 16 Oct 2023
In the realm of Java and web development, the terms URL and URI often emerge in discussions, leaving some in a quagmire of confusion. This article aims to elucidate the disparities between the two, elucidating their syntax, utilization in Java, and the nuances that set them apart.
Java vs JavaScript • Which Is In More Demand?
Post Date: 02 Oct 2023
Java and JavaScript, despite their similar names, serve distinct purposes within the realm of software development. As both languages continue to evolve and find niches in the modern tech landscape, it’s crucial to understand their differences and their respective market demands.
Java Cloning Strategies
Post Date: 23 Jun 2023
Object copying is a fundamental aspect of Java programming, finding relevance and utility in diverse contexts. Whether it’s creating independent copies of objects, maintaining object state, or avoiding unintended side effects, understanding efficient and reliable cloning strategies is essential.
Java Comprehensive Guide
Post Date: 17 May 2023
Java is a versatile programming language that has gained widespread popularity for its platform independence and robustness. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of Java programming, covering essential concepts, tools, and best practices.
Java • Converting Strings To Map
Post Date: 03 May 2023
This article discusses converting a string of key-value pairs that are delimited by a specific character, known as a delimiter, into a Map in Java.
Maven vs Gradle
Post Date: 01 May 2023
Maven and Gradle are two of the most popular build automation tools for Java-based projects. Both tools are designed to simplify the build process, manage dependencies, and facilitate project organization.
Java 19 Virtual Threads
Post Date: 04 Apr 2023
In this article, we will provide an overview of virtual threads in Java and their use in concurrent programming. We will define what virtual threads are and how they differ from normal threads. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits of virtual threads over traditional concurrency approaches and provide code examples to illustrate the differences between the two.
Decoupling Domain Objects: Simplifying System Architecture
Post Date: 31 Mar 2023
When you design an object-oriented system from top to bottom, sometimes the objects that represent the “domain” (what the system is about) don’t match the objects that represent the “entities” (what the system stores). To solve this problem, you can use a technique called “decoupling” to separate the layers of objects.
Java Records
Post Date: 14 Mar 2023
A Java record is a new feature introduced in Java 14 that allows developers to create a class that is primarily used to store data. A record is essentially a concise way to define a class that consists mainly of state (fields) and accessors (getters).
Java 17 Features
Post Date: 14 Mar 2023
JDK 17, introduces several new features and improvements, including enhanced random number generators, new encoding-specific methods for the String class, and default classes for Java ciphers. It also removes the experimental AOT and JIT compilers, and introduces support for Sealed Classes and Records. These changes provide developers with more flexibility and control, making it easier to write efficient and secure Java applications.
Java Optional - Why Developers Prefer Optional Values
Post Date: 12 May 2019
This article discusses the use of Java Optional to introduce optional values instead of null. We will deep dive into understanding why developers prefer the Optional class to clearly communicate an optional value as opposed to a vague null representation of a variable.
Java • Int to String Conversion Guide
Post Date: 11 May 2019
In Java, often times the ability to return a string representing the specified integer is a common task. This article illustrates several mechanisms to convert int to a string in Java. In the opposite scenario, the means to resolve an integer representing the value of the specified String. The returned value is an Integer object that is the equivalent integer value of the argument string.
Java • Double to String Conversion | Beginner's Guide
Post Date: 11 May 2019
Converting double to a String value in Java has been a typical task to do for software development. This article discusses the various ways on how to convert a double to a string in Java. While there are advantages in representing a double to its String object representation, the opposite task of converting a String object to a double can also be addressed. This document examines the reasons why conversions of double in Java are beneficial for beginners who are learning to develop in java.
Setting Java Compiler Version in Maven
Post Date: 27 Aug 2018
This document demonstrates ways to set the java compiler version in maven via the maven.compiler.target property and the maven-compiler-plugin configuration section.
Getting Started With Java
Post Date: 15 Aug 2018
The following page will illustrate how to get started with the Java Programming
Language. In addition, this document provides an overview of how to install
java and the environment variables you will need to set. A hands-on approach
illustrates how to compile and run your first Hello World java code.
Getting Started With Gradle
Post Date: 14 Aug 2018
The following page will be an excellent guide with getting started with the gradle build system in your
Java™ projects. Use this guide as a reference when using Gradle as a build system for the very first time.
