A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Differences Between var and Object in Java

Introduction:

Java, a versatile and widely-used programming language, constantly evolves to enhance developer productivity and code readability. With the introduction of Java 10, a new type inference feature called var was introduced, raising questions about how it compares to the traditional Object type. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of var and Object in Java, exploring their differences, use cases, and the impact they have on code clarity and maintainability.

Section 1: The Basics of var and Object

1.1 Understanding var:

The var keyword, introduced in Java 10, allows developers to declare local variables without explicitly specifying the type. Instead, the compiler infers the type based on the assigned value. This promotes cleaner and more concise code, reducing boilerplate while maintaining type safety.

var name = "John Doe";
var age = 25;

In this example, the compiler infers that name is of type String and age is of type int.

1.2 Exploring Object:

On the other hand, the Object class is a fundamental part of the Java language and serves as the root class for all other classes. When a variable is declared with the Object type, it can reference any object in Java, making it a versatile but less type-safe option compared to explicit types.