Java 25 introduces improvements such as record patterns with instanceof, which allow more concise and expressive type matching and data extraction in one step. Here’s a guide on how to use them:

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What are record patterns?

A record pattern enables matching and extracting components of a record class, which is essentially a class with immutable data. Record patterns simplify operations by combining type checking and field extraction syntactically.

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Using instanceof with Record Patterns

In Java 25, you can use a record pattern directly with instanceof to both:
1. Match the type of the object.
2. Decompose its contents in a single expression.

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Example of Record Patterns with instanceof

record Point(int x, int y) {}

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Object obj = new Point(10, 20);

        // Using instanceof with a record pattern
        if (obj instanceof Point(int x, int y)) {
            System.out.println("Point coordinates: x = " + x + ", y = " + y);
        } else {
            System.out.println("Not a Point object");
        }
    }
}

Explanation

• obj instanceof Point(int x, int y):
  • Pattern Matching: Verifies if obj is an instance of the Point record.
  • Decomposition: Extracts the x and y fields of the record into variables x and y.

As a result:

• If obj matches the type, the fields are extracted automatically in the same step.
• There’s no need to cast obj to Point explicitly or manually call getters.

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Nesting Record Patterns

Record patterns can also be nested for more complex records containing other records or collections.

Example: Nested Record Patterns

record Rectangle(Point topLeft, Point bottomRight) {}

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Object obj = new Rectangle(new Point(0, 0), new Point(10, 10));

        if (obj instanceof Rectangle(Point(int x1, int y1), Point(int x2, int y2))) {
            System.out.println("Rectangle corners: (" + x1 + ", " + y1 + ") to (" + x2 + ", " + y2 + ")");
        } else {
            System.out.println("Not a Rectangle object");
        }
    }
}

Explanation

• Rectangle(Point(int x1, int y1), Point(int x2, int y2)) is a nested pattern:
  • Matches top-level Rectangle.
  • Decomposes its topLeft and bottomRight fields into Point objects.
  • Further extracts x and y coordinates from each Point.

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Benefits

1. Conciseness: Eliminates the need for explicit casting or redundant getter calls.
2. Readability: Patterns declaratively show what is being matched and extracted.
3. Flexibility: Works seamlessly with nested structures.

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Good-to-Know Details

1. Exhaustive Matching: Combine switch with record patterns for exhaustive, cleaner matching:

   void printShapeInfo(Object shape) {
      switch (shape) {
          case Point(int x, int y) -> System.out.println("Point: (" + x + ", " + y + ")");
          case Rectangle(Point topLeft, Point bottomRight) -> System.out.println("Rectangle with corners: " +
                  topLeft + " to " + bottomRight);
          default -> System.out.println("Unknown shape");
      }
   }
   

2. Null Handling: instanceof with patterns doesn’t match null values directly. An explicit null check is still required.

3. Restrictions: The immutability of records ensures safety and predictability when decomposing data and matching patterns.

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Conclusion

The introduction of record patterns in Java 25 significantly enhances pattern matching and makes working with immutable objects far more intuitive and concise. Whether you’re matching simple records or nested structures, this feature saves you from boilerplate code and improves code readability.