What are the best practices for using assert in Java?

What are the best practices for using assert in Java?

Using assert in Java is great for debugging. Best practices include using assertions to check for conditions that should never happen, and ensuring they are only used in development.

Can you give me an example of how to use assert?

Sure! You can use assert like this: assert x > 0 : "x must be positive"; This checks that x is positive and throws an AssertionError if it's not.

When should I avoid using assert?

Avoid using assert for argument checking in public methods, as assertions can be disabled at runtime. Use exceptions instead.

Are there any performance implications of using assert?

Yes, assertions can be disabled at runtime, which means they have no performance impact in production. However, during development, they can help catch bugs early.