Java 8: Deep Dive into Optional
The Optional class in Java is a container class that represents the presence or absence of a value. It was introduced in Java 8 as part of the java.util package to provide a more elegant and safer way of handling situations where a value might be absent, thus helping to reduce null pointer exceptions and improve code readability.
The primary advantage of using Optional is that it encourages a more explicit handling of null values, reducing the risk of null pointer exceptions and making code more readable. However, it's important to use Optional judiciously, as overusing it can lead to unnecessary complexity in your code.
Remember that Optional is a class and not a keyword, and it's designed to be used for better handling of nullable values in a more controlled manner.
Creating an Optional:
Optional class has 3 static methods (Factory Methods) for creating Optional instances.
// Creates an Optional with a non-null value
Optional<String> optionalValue = Optional.of("Hello, world!");
// Creates an Optional that may or may not contain a null value
Optional<String> optionalNullable = Optional.ofNullable(null);
// Creates an empty Optional
Optional<String> optionalEmpty = Optional.empty(); 
