Java continues to evolve, but many developers miss out on its modern features and hidden gems. Whether you’re building enterprise applications or microservices, these 10 Java tricks will streamline your code, boost productivity, and help you stand out as a pro developer.
1. Use Java Records for Immutable Data (Java 16+)
Keyword: Java Records, DTO best practices
Why Use It?
Simplify data storage with concise, immutable structures.
public record Employee(String name, int id) {}
Benefits:
- Auto-generates
equals(),hashCode(), andtoString(). - Reduces boilerplate code significantly.
2. Optimize Switch Statements with Arrow Syntax (Java 14+)
Keyword: Java switch expressions
Why Use It?
Eliminate fall-through bugs and enhance readability.
String dayType = switch (day) {
case "MON", "TUE", "WED", "THU", "FRI" -> "Weekday";
case "SAT", "SUN" -> "Weekend";
default -> throw new IllegalArgumentException();
};
Key Benefit: Cleaner syntax, reduced errors.
3. Pattern Matching for instanceof (Java 16+)
Keyword: Java pattern matching
Why Use It?
Removes redundant casting.
if (obj instanceof String s) {
System.out.println(s.length());
}
Key Benefit: Improves readability and efficiency.
4. Dual Processing with Stream::teeing (Java 12+)
Keyword: Java Stream teeing
Why Use It?
Process a stream in two ways simultaneously.
var result = Stream.of(10, 20, 30)
.collect(Collectors.teeing(
Collectors.summingInt(i -> i),
Collectors.averagingDouble(i -> i),
(sum, avg) -> "Sum: " + sum + ", Avg: " + avg
));
Use Case: Data analytics, aggregation.
5. Simplify Multiline Strings with Text Blocks (Java 15+)
Keyword: Java text blocks
Why Use It?
Avoid excessive concatenation.
String json = """
{
"name": "John",
"age": 30
}""";
Pro Tip: Great for JSON, SQL, and HTML formatting.
6. Asynchronous Tasks with CompletableFuture (Java 8+)
Keyword: Java asynchronous programming
Why Use It?
Enhance performance with non-blocking operations.
CompletableFuture.supplyAsync(() -> fetchUserData())
.thenApply(user -> processData(user))
.thenAccept(result -> sendResult(result));
Use Case: Efficient API calls, background tasks.
7. Instant Prototyping with jshell (Java 9+)
Keyword: Java REPL tool
Why Use It?
Quickly test Java snippets without full compilation.
$ jshell
> String message = "Hello, JShell!";
> message.substring(0, 5);
$1 ==> "Hello"
Key Benefit: Fast debugging and experimentation.
8. Restrict Inheritance with Sealed Classes (Java 17+)
Keyword: Java sealed classes
Why Use It?
Control which classes can extend your interface.
public sealed interface Shape permits Circle, Rectangle {
double area();
}
Benefits: Improved maintainability, enhanced security.
9. Immutable Collections with List.copyOf() (Java 10+)
Keyword: Java immutable collections
Why Use It?
Quickly create unmodifiable collections.
List<String> immutable = List.copyOf(mutableList);
Pro Tip: Also use Set.copyOf() and Map.copyOf().
10. Debug Efficiently with StackWalker (Java 9+)
Keyword: Java stack traces
Why Use It?
Lightweight stack tracing without exceptions.
StackWalker.getInstance().walk(frames ->
frames.filter(f -> f.getMethodName().startsWith("test"))
.findFirst()
);
Use Case: Logging, security audits, debugging.
FAQs: Java Coding Tricks
Q1: Which Java version is required for these tricks?
Most require Java 9+, but Java 17 (LTS) is recommended for modern features.
Q2: Are Records replacing Lombok?
Records eliminate some Lombok needs but lack @Builder. Use accordingly.
Q3: How to stay updated with Java features?
Follow Java Release Notes and join Java communities.
Final Thoughts
These 10 Java tricks help you unlock Java’s full potential, from modern syntax enhancements to performance optimizations. Implement them to write cleaner, faster, and more maintainable code.
Liked This? Bookmark our Java Performance Optimization Guide for expert tips.
Keywords: Java coding tricks, modern Java features, Java 17 updates, Java Stream API, Java Records, sealed classes, CompletableFuture.
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