What is the Java 8 Optional class and how do I use it?

What is the Java 8 Optional class and how do I use it?

The Optional class in Java 8 is a container that may or may not contain a non-null value. It's used to avoid null checks.

Can you give me an example of how to create an Optional?

Sure! You can create an Optional using Optional.of(value) for a non-null value or Optional.empty() for an empty Optional.

How do I check if an Optional has a value?

You can use the isPresent() method to check if the Optional contains a value. If it does, you can retrieve it using get().

What are some common methods provided by the Optional class?

Some common methods include map(), flatMap(), filter(), and ifPresent(). These help in handling values in a functional style.