In the programmer’s world, good code is not just about solving the problem at hand but also about writing it in a way that is maintainable, scalable, and efficient.
Java, renowned as one of the most popular programming languages, has earned its reputation due to its stability and versatility, allowing developers to write code for any platform.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. As a Java programmer, it is important to follow certain best practices in order to write high-quality code that can withstand the test of time.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss 10 Java programming best practices that every programmer should know.
What is Java Programming?
Java, launched in 1995, is among the top programming languages globally. It’s widely used for creating mobile apps, desktop apps, and various web applications. One of its appealing features is its simplicity and ease of learning. Plus, being open-source and free makes it accessible for everyone.
As an object-oriented language, it offers a clear structure for programs, making it cost-effective by allowing code reuse. More than that, Java’s well-rounded nature makes it a favorite among companies for developing enterprise software solutions.
As of 2024, Java proudly holds the spot as the second most popular programming language worldwide.
According to the TIOBE Programming Community, it’s still among the top 5 best-rated languages by engineers globally. Thanks to its security and awesome community support, Java remains a trusty and powerful tool for developers.
Advantages of Following Java Best Practices
Think of following the best practices of Java coding as an investment. By taking the time to write clean and optimized code, you’re ultimately saving time in the long run.
From debugging to maintaining your application, a well-written codebase can make all the difference. Some of the key advantages of following Java best practices include:
- Boost code readability: Writing clear and readable code makes it easier for other Java developers to understand and collaborate. These best practices will enhance your code’s readability and help you become a better programmer.
- Optimize performance: By using efficient data structures and algorithms, you’ll see improved code performance. This is crucial for large-scale applications where even small optimizations can have a huge impact.
- Minimize errors: Following these best practices reduces the chance of mistakes in your programs, helps you write efficient and error-free code, and ultimately makes you a better programmer.
- Use memory smartly: Avoid creating too many objects to ensure efficient memory usage in your code.
- Excel in competitive coding: With many students now participating in programming contests on various platforms like GFG contests, these practices will help you perform well and achieve higher ranks.
10 Java Programming Best Practices
Whether you are a junior Java developer or a seasoned professional, following these best practices can help you improve your coding skills and produce high-quality code.
Below are the 10 Java programming best practices that every programmer should know:
1. Stay consistent in naming conventions
When coding in Java, sticking to standard naming conventions boosts readability.
Before you even start coding, think carefully about how you will name variables, constants, methods, classes, and interfaces. Make sure identifiers like methods, classes, and variables are self-explanatory, distinct, and easy to pronounce.
It’s best to avoid using single-letter variable names, choose method names that clearly describe their functionality, and ensure that object and field names align with the business context.
For instance, a method named sendPaymentReminder() clearly indicates its function, while a generic name like handle() leaves too much ambiguity. Similarly, a variable like productDescription is easily understood, whereas something like pd could stand for anything, leading to misinterpretation.
Remember, your goal is to write Java code that humans can understand, not just to satisfy the compiler.
2. Be clean, not clever
Since Java gained popularity, it has been unavoidable to encounter evolved programming practices. But, many developers use them for the sake of being clever or showing off their coding skills.
While it might impress some with your creativity, using obscure and complex coding techniques such as anonymous classes can harm readability. The primary purpose of following code standards and best practices is to produce readable, maintainable, and efficient code.
So, unless you’re working on a math project or programming a game, it’s best to stick with simple and straightforward coding approaches.
3. Embrace the DRY and KISS Principles
These are handy rules of thumb in software development that every programmer should keep in mind. And, as a coder, you should diligently apply these principles to your codebase:
DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) basically means avoiding repetitive code. Instead of copying and pasting the same chunks of code everywhere, consider extracting common functionality into methods or classes. This way, you’ll have a single, tidy place to make changes if needed—saving time and reducing errors.
KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) is your reminder to keep things straightforward. The simpler your code, the less likely you are to make mistakes. Plus, simple code is easier for others (and future you!) to read and understand.
4. Choosing the Right Data Structures for Better Performance
When it comes to programming, selecting the right data structure can really make a difference in your code’s performance.
Imagine you’re dealing with large datasets—opting for an array or an ArrayList is usually a smarter choice than a LinkedList. Why? Well, arrays and ArrayLists are generally faster when it comes to accessing elements, which can save you precious time.
Moreover, if you’re working on algorithms that need efficient sorting or quick access to the smallest or largest elements, a PriorityQueue is your key. These data structures can do wonders for optimizing your code, helping to reduce both time and space complexity.
5. Avoid Redundant Initialization (0-false-null)
When coding in Java, there’s no need to manually assign null, false, or 0 to member variables—Java uses these as default initialization values. By skipping redundant initialization, your code remains cleaner and more efficient.
For example:
public class Customer {
private String name = null;
private boolean isActive = false;
private int age = 0;
}
In this case, there’s no need to initialize name, isActive, or age with those values because Java will automatically assign them as the default values. You can simply write:
public class Customer {
private String name;
private boolean isActive;
private int age;
}
This keeps your code more concise, letting Java handle the defaults while you focus on what matters.
6. Test early and test often
Don’t wait until the end to test—make testing a part of your Java coding routine.
Without tests, even small changes can cause unexpected problems. Aim for good test coverage to keep your code healthy, but don’t stress about hitting 90% right away. Writing small tests during development helps catch bugs early and maintain functionality.
Choosing a clear testing name is good practice. For instance, a test named NotifyIfUsernameIsEmpty() clearly indicates it checks for notifications when a username is missing, so you don’t have to dig into the specifics.
Consider using unit testing frameworks like JUnit or TestNG for more organized testing. These tools help automate checks for inputs, outputs, and edge cases, making your testing process smoother and more reliable.
7. Comment your code appropriately
Although some might argue that good code is self-documenting, there’s no harm in adding comments to make it easier for others to understand and maintain.
Comments are like little notes placed within the code, explaining what specific parts do. Since your code will be read by various team members with different levels of Java knowledge, comments should provide a clear overview of your approaches and offer extra information that isn’t immediately obvious from just looking at the code. Good comments can really simplify Java code maintenance and help fix bugs faster.
Some developers advocate for self-documenting code, which is written so clearly that it doesn’t require separate documentation because it’s practically self-explanatory.
Consider this example of a regular Java comment:
// verify if the customer qualifies for a discount
if ((customer.isMember() && (customer.purchaseAmount > 100))With self-documenting code, readability is enhanced, and your code looks cleaner. For instance, a developer can easily understand what is happening here:
if (customer.eligibleForDiscount())However, self-documenting code works best when combined with additional comments that explain why something is done.
8. Steer clear of empty catch blocks
Let’s talk about using Catch Blocks to improve your code quality and cut out the clutter. A great tip to follow is “Throw early and catch late.”
Java’s try-catch blocks are super handy for handling exceptions. You wrap the code that might throw an exception inside a try block, and if something unexpected happens (like dividing by zero or a missing file), the catch block steps in to handle it.
Now, about those catch blocks—having them empty might seem like an okay idea, but it’s actually not great for code quality. An empty catch block leaves you clueless about what went wrong, which can make debugging a real headache.
The solution? Throw exceptions as soon as possible and catch them later on. This allows you to handle the error closer to where it occurred, giving you more context to understand and fix the issue. Plus, it makes for cleaner and more organized code that is in line with Java naming conventions.
9. Harness StringBuilder for String Operations
In Java, strings are immutable, meaning they can’t be changed once they’re created. Every tweak results in a new string object being made in memory, which can be inefficient, especially with big strings or frequent changes.
To improve performance, the StringBuilder class is a great alternative for string manipulation. It allows you to modify string contents directly without creating new objects each time.
With StringBuilder, you can use handy methods like append(), insert(), and delete() to efficiently build and tweak strings. This is useful when working with dynamic text or creating lengthy outputs.
In a nutshell, choosing StringBuilder over regular strings is a smart choice for Java. It enhances performance and reduces memory usage, making it an essential tool for developers dealing with string-heavy tasks.
10. Stay updated with Java developments
Java is an ever-evolving language, and staying up-to-date is essential for any Java developer writing efficient code.
Oracle frequently releases new Java versions with exciting features. For example, Java 21, or JDK 21, introduced virtual threads, simplifying concurrency by enabling lightweight threads that boost performance and resource use. This helps in building scalable applications without traditional thread management complexities.
To stay informed about coding standards, make it a habit to read Java blogs or watch tutorials. You can also join online communities or attend conferences to interact with fellow developers and learn from their experiences.
By staying updated, Java developers can write more efficient code aligned with industry standards, making their projects more robust and future-proof.
Develop Java Apps with Startechup!
From proper naming conventions to efficient string manipulation, our team follows these best practices to deliver top-notch Java applications.
Startechup, a software development company in the Philippines, has a team of experienced Java developers who are ready to help you bring your app ideas to life.
Our development process follows Java best practices, ensuring high-quality and efficient code that adheres to best practices. Let us handle the technical side while you focus on making your app a success.
Get in touch with us today, and let’s build your Java app!
