What is the Java Streams API and how can I use it?

What is the Java Streams API and how can I use it?

The Java Streams API is a powerful feature introduced in Java 8 that allows you to process sequences of elements, such as collections, in a functional style. It provides methods for filtering, mapping, and reducing data.

Can you give me an example of how to filter a list using the Streams API?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

List<String> names = Arrays.asList("Alice", "Bob", "Charlie");
List<String> filteredNames = names.stream()
    .filter(name -> name.startsWith("A"))
    .collect(Collectors.toList());

This code filters the list to include only names that start with 'A'.

What are some common operations I can perform with streams?

Common operations include filtering, mapping, sorting, and reducing. You can also perform operations like distinct, limit, and skip to manipulate the data further.

Are there any performance considerations when using the Streams API?

Yes, while the Streams API can make your code more readable, it may introduce overhead. It's important to consider the size of the data and the complexity of operations, especially in performance-critical applications.