Are you looking for some tips and tricks to build robust Java applications? In this blog post, we will share some best practices that can help you write code that is less prone to errors and easier to maintain. We will also discuss ways to optimise your code to run faster. Keep reading if you wish to improve your Java code writing skills!
Use Java 8 Features
Java 8 introduced several features that can assist you in composing more robust code. For example, the try-with-resources statement ensures that resources are permanently appropriately closed, even if an exception is thrown. This can prevent resource leaks in your applications. Another helpful feature is Lambda expressions. These allow you to write more concise and more straightforward read code. Lambdas can also help you avoid null pointer exceptions by making it easier to check for null values. As a result, using Java 8 features can help you write more robust and less error-prone code.
Write Unit Tests
Unit testing aims to ensure that your code executes as planned. It’s a fantastic approach to ensure that your code works as expected. By writing unit tests, you can test individual pieces of code to ensure they are doing what you expect them to do. This can assist you in identifying issues earlier on and control them from evolving more severe later. Additionally, unit tests can also serve as documentation for your code and can be leveraged as wider practices surrounding java code testing. By reading the tests, other developers will be able to understand what your code is supposed to do.
Handle Exceptions Properly
When writing Java code, it is essential to handle exceptions correctly. This simply implies employing try-catch constructs when an exception is possible. It is also essential to catch specific exceptions rather than all with a generic catch block. This will make your code more substantial and more straightforward to debug. On the other hand, if you do not handle exceptions properly, your code will be more likely to crash. As a result, it is required to guarantee that you handle exceptions correctly in your Java code.
Use the Right Libraries
There are many different libraries available for Java development. Choosing the proper library for the task at hand can make your code more robust and easier to maintain. Any third-party libraries your code relies on must be treated with respect. Consider the following scenario: You’re using a library that isn’t being maintained anymore. In that case, finding an alternative or writing your code to replace the functionality no longer available is crucial. So, choose the correct libraries for your project if you want to write robust Java code.
Avoid Deadlocks
When two threads wait for each other to release a resource, this can cause deadlocks. This can cause your application to freeze and can be challenging to debug. To avoid deadlocks, it is vital to use the synchronised keyword properly. Additionally, you should avoid holding multiple locks at the same time. Following these suggestions will decrease the chance of coming across deadlocks in your Java code.
Keep Track of All Version Updates
As new versions of Java are released, keeping your code up to date is essential. Updating your code will help you prevent mistakes and maintain compatibility with the newest Java edition. Additionally, updating your code will make migrating to newer versions of Java easier. When a new version of Java is released, read the release notes and update your code accordingly.
Never Leave “JVM” Behind
If you are writing Java code, it is crucial to ensure you are using the latest version of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The JVM is constantly being updated with new features and bug fixes. As a result, using the latest version of the JVM can help you avoid errors and improve the performance of your code. Therefore, if you want to write robust Java code, always use the latest version of the JVM.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found these suggestions helpful. If you apply these techniques, you’ll be well on your path to writing robust Java code. However, always keep in mind that nothing can replace experience. The more you code, the better you will become at avoiding errors and writing robust code. So, get out there and start coding!
