Java

Persisting Enums in Java: Beyond ORDINAL and STRING

In Java, enums are typically persisted in a database using either their ordinal values or names (strings). While this approach is straightforward, it may not always be the best choice. Enum names are tied to the application’s code and can be prone to changes, while ordinal values are even more fragile, as modifying the enum order can break data consistency. A more flexible and database-friendly approach is needed when dealing with identifiers that don’t naturally align with Java’s enum conventions or when aiming to decouple the database structure from internal application logic.

Records in Java: Simplifying Data Classes

Records, introduced as a preview feature in Java 14 and officially released in version 16, are a powerful tool designed to simplify the creation of classes that primarily hold data. They significantly reduce boilerplate code by automatically generating commonly used methods like equals, hashCode, and toString. Ideal for creating immutable data carriers with minimal effort, records make your code more concise and easier to maintain.