Java assertions underused

Question

I\'m wondering why the assert keyword is so underused in Java? I\'ve almost never seen them used, but I think they\'re a great idea. I certainly much prefer the

Answer 1

In fact they arrived in Java 1.4.

I think the main problem is that when you code in an environment where you do not manage JVM options directly by yourself like in Eclipse or J2EE servers (in both cases it is possible to change JVM options, but you need to deeply search to find where it can be done), it is easier (I mean it requires less effort) to use if and exceptions (or worse not to use anything).