How do I use NIO Path.of() instead of Paths.get()?

In Java 11 and later, Path.of() is the preferred way to create Path instances, effectively replacing Paths.get().

Here is how you can use it:

1. Basic Usage (Replacing Paths.get)

The syntax is almost identical. It accepts a string or a sequence of strings to join into a path.

package org.kodejava.nio;

import java.nio.file.Path;

public class PathExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Using a single string
        Path path1 = Path.of("C:/logs/app.log");

        // Using multiple strings (varargs) to join paths
        Path path2 = Path.of("C:", "logs", "app.log");

        System.out.println(path2); // Outputs: C:\logs\app.log (on Windows)
    }
}

2. Working with URIs

Path.of() also has an overload that accepts a URI object, just like Paths.get(URI uri).

import java.net.URI;
import java.nio.file.Path;

Path pathFromUri = Path.of(URI.create("file:///C:/logs/app.log"));

Why use Path.of() instead of Paths.get()?

  • Cleaner API: Path is the primary interface. Path.of() keeps the logic within the interface itself rather than relying on a separate utility class (Paths).
  • Modern Standard: Paths.get() was introduced in Java 7 as a bridge. Java 11 introduced Path.of() as the modern, static factory method on the interface.
  • Consistency: Most modern Java APIs (like List.of(), Set.of()) use this naming convention.