In this post, we will discuss about What is the use of Underscore (“_”) in Java Modifiers? Changes to underscore in Java SE 9 release with some simple and useful examples. I have already released many Java SE 9 tutorials. Please go through them to learn all Java SE 9 new features.
Recently Oracle Corp has changed the release date of Java SE 9 from March 2017 to July 2017.
Let us start this post now.
Introduction to Underscore (“_”) in Java
In Java, we can start an identifier with a letter, dollar sign ($) or underscore (“_”). However, Identifiers cannot start with a number.
In Java, we can use underscore in identifiers mainly the following cases:
- To connect two different words of an identifier.
- To define constants.
- To define some lengthy and useful identifier (mostly in unit tests).
- To define private variables, methods etc.
Before Java SE 8: Underscore (“_”)
Before Java SE 8 release, we can use Underscore in identifiers. And also we can use Underscore alone as an identifier without any issues. Even though it is not recommended, but it works fine without any issues.
Java SE 8: “_” Changes
In Java SE 8 release, using Underscore alone as an identifier is not recommended and it gives a WARNING message. To test it, write a simple Java program in any IDEs like Eclipse and run it.
Example:-
public class Java8UnderscoreTest
{
public static void main(String[] args)
{
int _ = 10;
System.out.println("Value of underscore (_) = " + _);
}
}
Output:-
Value of underscore (_) = 10
It works fine without any issues. However, we can see the following warning messages in IDEs.
Multiple markers at this line
- '_' should not be used as an identifier, since it is a reserved keyword from source level 1.8 on
- Occurrence of '_'
That means Underscore is not allowed as an identifier from Java SE 8 on-wards.
NOTE:-
It is a compile-time error if a Lambda Parameter has the name underscore (“_”).
Java SE 9: “_” Changes
Oracle Corp is going to remove that underscore (“_”) usage as identifier completely in Java SE 9 release.
NOTE:- Disallowing “_” as a legal identifier
jshell> int _ = 10
| Error:
| as of release 9, '_' is a keyword, and may not be used as an identifier
| int _ = 10
| ^
| Error:
| reached end of file while parsing
| int _ = 10
That’s it all about “Java SE 9: Underscore Changes”. We will discuss some more Java SE 9 New Features in my coming posts.
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Happy Java SE 9 Learning!