BPI inside

Tag: Constants

  • 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.