Best way to check for null values in Java?

Question

Before calling a function of an object, I need to check if the object is null, to avoid throwing a NullPointerException.

What is the best way to go abou

Answer 1

In Java 7, you can use Objects.requireNonNull(). Add an import of Objects class from java.util.

public class FooClass {
    //...
    public void acceptFoo(Foo obj) {
        //If obj is null, NPE is thrown
        Objects.requireNonNull(obj).bar(); //or better requireNonNull(obj, "obj is null");
    }
    //...
}