Is StringUtils.EMPTY recommended?

Question

Do you use StringUtils.EMPTY instead of \"\"?

I mean either as a return value or if you set a the value of a String variable. I don\'t mean

Answer 1

Of course not. Do you really think "" is not clear enough ?

Constants have essentially 3 use cases:

1. Document the meaning of a value (with constant name + javadoc)
2. Synchronize clients on a common value.
3. Provide a shortcut to a special value to avoid some init costs

None apply here.