What is the difference between a lambda expression and an anonymous class in Java?

Lambda expressions are more concise than anonymous classes because they eliminate the need for boilerplate code. Anonymous classes in Java require a class declaration, even for simple operations, which can lead to verbose and less readable code. Lambda expressions, on the other hand, allow for expressing the same functionality in a more compact and readable form. Here is a comparison:

// Anonymous class Runnable runnable = new Runnable() { @Override public void run() { System.out.println("Running"); } }; // Lambda expression Runnable runnable = () -> System.out.println("Running");

As shown, the lambda expression is much simpler and cleaner, making it easier to maintain and understand. This advantage of lambda expressions contributes to more readable and maintainable code in modern Java applications.

While anonymous classes are still useful in some scenarios, lambda expressions offer a more modern and streamlined way to achieve similar results. This is particularly important in large codebases where reducing boilerplate code can significantly improve readability and maintainability.