Java MCQ: Which of the following best describes the difference between Java Records and Lombok?
Answer:
Explanation:
The primary difference between Java Records and Lombok is that Lombok generates boilerplate code using annotations, while records are a built-in language feature in Java. Lombok is a popular third-party library that reduces boilerplate code by generating methods such as getters, setters, equals(), hashCode(), and toString() using annotations like @Data, @Getter, @Setter, and others.
In contrast, Java Records are a feature of the Java language itself, introduced in Java 14 and finalized in Java 16. Records provide a concise way to define immutable data classes without requiring additional libraries or annotations. The compiler automatically generates methods such as equals(), hashCode(), and toString() based on the fields defined in the record.
While both Lombok and records aim to reduce boilerplate code, they approach the problem differently:
- Lombok: Uses annotations to generate code at compile-time, and it supports a wide range of features, including mutable and immutable classes.
- Records: Provide a native, immutable data structure with a specific purpose of holding data, and they are part of the Java language, requiring no external dependencies.
Developers may choose between Lombok and records depending on their specific needs, with records being more suitable for scenarios where immutability and simplicity are prioritized.
Reference links:
https://www.rameshfadatare.com/learn-java-programming/
https://www.javaguides.net/p/java-tutorial-learn-java-programming.html