Introduction to Java records: Simplified data-centric programming in Java

"Records in Java are a newer kind of class for holding data. Instead of writing boilerplate code for constructors, accessors, equals(), hashCode(), and toString(), you just declare the fields and let the Java compiler handle the rest. This article introduces you to Java records, including examples of basic and advanced use cases and a few programming scenarios where you should not use them."

"Creating simple data classes in Java traditionally required substantial boilerplate code. Consider how we would represent Java's mascots, Duke and Juggy: public class JavaMascot { private final String name; private final int yearCreated; public JavaMascot(String name, int yearCreated) { this.name = name; this.yearCreated = yearCreated; } public String getName() { return name; } public int getYearCreated() { return yearCreated; } // equals, hashCode and toString methods omitted for brevity } With records, we can reduce the above code to a single line: public record JavaMascot(String name, int yearCreated) {} "

Records provide a compact way to declare immutable data carriers by having the compiler generate private final fields, a canonical constructor, accessor methods, equals(), hashCode(), and toString(). Records were finalized in JDK 16 and are intended for simple, primarily data-holding types. Example usage shows concise declarations like public record JavaMascot(String name, int yearCreated) {} and demonstrates correct equality and toString behavior. Records are not suitable when mutability, complex inheritance, or significant encapsulated behavior is required. Records simplify code and improve readability for many common data-class scenarios.

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