Understanding Optional.orElse() vs Optional.orElseGet()
In Java, Optional provides a way to handle potentially null values safely. The methods orElse() and orElseGet() are used to provide default values when an Optional is empty. However, the difference between these two methods is important depending on the cost of the default value computation. Step 1: Define the Default Method Let's assume we have a method that returns a default value of type String : public String getDefault () { System. out .println( "Getting Default Value" ); return "Default Value" ; } Step 2: Examine the Two Cases Case 1: Using orElseGet() String name = Optional.of(value) .orElseGet(() -> getDefault()); Here, getDefault() is called only if value is null . This means getDefault() is evaluated lazily (only when needed). Case 2 : Using orElse() String name = Optional.of(value) .orElse(getDefault()); In this case, getDefault() is called always , regardless of whether value is null or not. This means getD...