Java Tip #4: Use implicit NULL checks on constants
Tip #4 of the Java Tips series is just a quick tip to enhance the codes robustness.
Advice
When comparing constants, always compare the constant to the unknown value.
Code-Example
Before
if(str != null && str.equals("XYZ")) { ... }
if(value != null && value.equals(SomeEnum.ENUM_1)) { ... }
After
if("XYZ".equals(str)) { ... }
if(SomeEnum.ENUM_1.equals(value)) { ... }
Benefit
Safety gain. Minor readability gain. The constant value can be compared to a null value without resulting in a NullPointerException. The check for null can be skipped because when the constant is compared to null the condition simply evaluates to a boolean false.
Remarks
None.