What are the differences between Reactive Streams and Observables?

What are the differences between Reactive Streams and Observables?

Reactive Streams is a specification for asynchronous stream processing with non-blocking backpressure, while Observables are part of the RxJava library that allows you to work with asynchronous data streams. Essentially, Reactive Streams provides a standard interface, whereas Observables are an implementation of that concept.

Can you explain what backpressure means in this context?

Backpressure is a mechanism that allows a system to control the flow of data between producers and consumers. In Reactive Streams, it ensures that a consumer can signal to a producer to slow down or stop sending data if it can't keep up, preventing overwhelming the consumer.

Are there any performance differences between using Reactive Streams and Observables?

Yes, performance can vary based on the implementation and use case. Reactive Streams is designed for interoperability and can be more efficient in systems that require strict backpressure handling, while Observables may offer more flexibility and ease of use in certain scenarios.

Which one should I use for my project?

It depends on your project's requirements. If you need strict backpressure and interoperability with other libraries, go for Reactive Streams. If you prefer a more straightforward API and are working within the RxJava ecosystem, Observables might be the better choice.