Kotlin Tip #25: Use check() for precondition validation in your code — 100 Kotlin Tips in 100 Days
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Tip #24: Uselateinitfor Late Initialization of Non-null Variables
When developing robust Kotlin applications, ensuring that your code runs under expected conditions is crucial. Precondition validation is a proactive approach to detect and handle potential errors early in the execution flow. Kotlin, with its emphasis on safety and readability, offers a straightforward function for this purpose: check().
The check() function is designed to simplify precondition validation. It evaluates a boolean expression, and if the result is false, it throws an IllegalStateException with an optional message. This mechanism is particularly useful for validating state conditions before proceeding with further execution.
check(condition) { "Optional error message" }By incorporating check() into your code, you can prevent the execution of operations under incorrect conditions, thus avoiding unexpected behavior or errors down the line.
Consider a scenario in a banking application where you need to process a withdrawal. You must ensure that the account balance is sufficient before proceeding. Here’s how check() can be employed:
By using check(), the code clearly communicates the intention to validate preconditions. It's more readable and concise than manually throwing exceptions. Moreover, it helps in catching potential issues early in the execution flow, making your code more robust and predictable. And finally, the optional error message provides context, making it easier to diagnose issues when they arise.
By integrating precondition checks into your code, you can write more reliable, and maintainable applications. Like many of Kotlin's features, it's about giving developers the tools to express their intent clearly while keeping the safety nets firmly in place.
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