Java Best Practices and Tips From The Best Developers

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Java is a fantastic coding tool because you can create a variety of computer programs that are compatible with Windows, MacOSX and Linux operating systems. Many software developers design games and other Smartphone apps using Java because of its consistency and high stability. The ability to create reusable codes makes Java ideal for computer programming students, and professional software developers all over the world. 

Do you want to get the most out of Java, and become a brilliant computer programmer? Below are 10 proven tips to help you achieve this goal.

1. Avoid String Concatenation in a Large Loop

String Concatenation refers to the process of linking two or more character strings to form a new one. This enables software developers to create large chunks of code that are easier to use. Also, they help computer programmers store high volumes of text based and numeric information. Using String Concatenation makes your code more reader friendly.

Most novice software developers use the “+” operator to concatenate two or more strings in a loop. This mistake leads to waste of memory use, because Java creates a new String Object whenever you create a new string. The frequent creation of new String Objects increases the program’s performance time.

2. Use Generics to enforce compile-time type checking

Java’s generic type nature helps software developers enumerate a set of related methods or related types, using classes or a single method declaration. Generics help you reuse the same code for similar projects. This ensures you spend less time on your projects because you won’t have to write new codes.

Using generics helps computer programmers spot errors faster, because Java cross checks the code using well-defined types.  Generics are also ideal when creating and implementing general algorithms. Smart software developers use Generics because it eliminates the need for casting.

3. Always check for Parameter Preconditions

A fail-fast system is one that halts progress as soon as it detects errors in your code. This helps software developers easily pinpoint faulty areas when designing complex projects involving numerous components.

Using a fail-fast system enables you to validate input parameters with higher accuracy. You can also eliminate null parameters that hinder your program from running correctly. Google Guava provides a list of reliable checking utilities to validate preconditions. It's advisable to break down your preconditions into lines when running your program. This helps you to identify faulty lines during debugging.

4. Avoid Object Mutability

A mutable object can get altered at any stage in its life cycle. You can change its variables as soon as the need arises. On the other hand, an immutable object cannot be altered in any way once you’ve created it. When working on complex projects, it may be hard to track changes when working with mutable objects. This causes software developers to spend a lot of time debugging and editing their lines.

One way of ensuring you work with immutable objects is by using dependency injectors such as Guice or Spring.  You should avoid using Setters because they can alter the fields of your class.

5. Learn how to use Utility Classes properly

Some software developers have trouble implementing “equals” and “hashcode” methods on Java. This prevents them from properly using Java’s collection classes. The main disadvantage of using generic IDE codes is that some of them are wordy. This makes it difficult for you to read and understand the code due to the presence of unnecessary characters and lines.

You can become better at using Utility classes by using Java 7 and Google Guava. This ensures you generate brief lines quickly. Java 7 enables software developers to create stable hash codes using two static methods. Google Guava contains numerous core libraries that help computer programming students understand Java more easily.

Hire expert Java freelancers today at freelancer.com to get people experienced in the proper use of utility classes.

6. Avoid Deadlocks

A deadlock is when a process or thread becomes ineffective, because it cannot access an important system resource from a specific thread. Confusion arises because the second thread is waiting for the first thread to release an important system resource. A deadlock can cause heavy setbacks, because when a thread containing important system resources expires, it blocks all other threads depending on it.

Deadlocks are hard to detect and solve using debugging, and once a thread expires, it’s difficult to restore it using debugging techniques. It’s advisable to keep your transactions brief and contain them in one batch. This ensures threads run smoothly, and eliminates the occurrences of deadlocks.

7. Set aside adequate memory for Java

Does your computer frequently hang while using Java? This is because Java is a heavy application that consumes a lot of RAM. It’s also the reason why your web browser or media player crashes unexpectedly. You also risk losing any unsaved work when Java abruptly crashes while in the middle of a coding session.

The best way of freeing up your computer’s RAM is by uninstalling all unused programs. Getting rid of dormant software limits the background processes in your task manager, making it easy for your computer to sustain Java operations. If the problem persists, you ought to purchase a 4GB or 8GB RAM integrated circuit card. Always scan your computer using a strong antivirus to eliminate any virus that could be slowing down the CPU.

8. Take advantage of Java Collections Classes

Java contains a number of codes that are ideal for Java learners. You can use Vector to obtain reusable codes for your class assignments and end-of semester class projects. Stack and Hashtable provide learners with well-documented and formatting codes for easier learning and sharing. You can use a variety of techniques to inspect the code before using it.

Using Java collections helps you to save time instead of typing new lines of code for similar projects. These collections are also useful for coding in different programming languages.

9. Avoid creating unnecessary objects

One reason why your codes fail to run correctly is the presence of unwanted objects. Unwanted objects hinder the program in properly executing commands, and this could lead to deadlock. It’s also difficult to remove unwanted objects when the code has numerous mutable objects. The presence of unnecessary objects makes it difficult for a software developer to document his code properly.

Consider reusing immutable objects rather than creating new objects. This approach ensures your code remains consistent. It’s easy to debug a program that lacks unnecessary objects because the software developer can track all changes.

10. Avoid memory leaks

When running Java on your computer, you need an efficient memory to sustain all operations. A memory leak occurs when one cannot access stored objects because the running code used to retrieve the objects ends up overwhelming the system’s memory. Memory leaks can occur whenever you use unmanaged objects with native APIs. When left unchecked for long durations, memory leaks permanently interfere with other software processes.

You can avoid memory leaks by using Java’s garbage collector. This inbuilt tool ensures correct memory allocation. Tomcat and JBoss are reliable tools you should use to inspect for any memory leaks.

Additional tips

  • Indicate Javadoc comments for each public class. This helps intended readers to track all changes easily.

  • Explain class behavior and its respective purpose.

  • Use precise terms to help your readers understand your code.

  • Explain all valid input parameter values.

  • Clarify your parameters.

  • Use @author to identify yourself as the code developer.

  • Avoid writing comments for self-explanatory chunks of code.

By practicing the ten tips shared above, you’ll enhance your Java programming techniques in a short time.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted 7 August, 2017

LucyKarinsky

Software Developer

Lucy is the Development & Programming Correspondent for Freelancer.com. She is currently based in Sydney.

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