? Java Optional Class

? Quick Overview

The Optional class in Java (introduced in Java 8) is a container object used to represent the presence or absence of a value. It helps avoid NullPointerException and encourages safer, cleaner code.

? Key Concepts

Represents a value that may or may not be present
Avoids explicit null checks
Provides functional-style methods
Located in java.util package

? Syntax / Theory

An Optional object can either contain a non-null value or be empty. Instead of returning null, methods can return Optional to indicate optional results.

? View Code Example

// Creating Optional objects using different factory methods
Optional name = Optional.of("Java");
Optional emptyValue = Optional.empty();
Optional nullableValue = Optional.ofNullable(null);

? Code Example(s)

? View Code Example

// Accessing values safely using Optional methods
Optional language = Optional.of("Java");

if (language.isPresent()) {
    System.out.println(language.get());
}

? Live Output / Explanation

Explanation

The isPresent() method checks whether a value exists inside the Optional. The get() method retrieves the value safely when present.

? Interactive Playground: .orElse()

See how Optional safely handles nulls without crashing. Click a button below!

Empty

➜

.orElse("Default")

➜

Result

// Click a button above to run code...

? Tips & Best Practices

Use Optional as return types, not fields
Avoid calling get() without checking presence
Prefer orElse() or orElseGet()
Do not use Optional for serialization

? Try It Yourself

Create a method that returns an Optional<Integer>. Test it with valid and null values and handle both cases using orElse().