When to Use Callable and Supplier in Java

When to Use Callable and Supplier in Java

In Java, the Callable and Supplier interfaces provide a way of creating and working with certain types of objects. These two interfaces are used when you need to create an object that can produce a result, execute a specific task, or supply data and information in some way. Knowing when and why to use them can help make your code more efficient and organized.

The Callable interface is used to create an object that can be executed as a thread. It has one method, call(), which returns a generic type – usually an Integer, String, or Object. The Callable can be executed asynchronously, and can take input parameters as well. When to use Callable depends on your particular requirements. If you need to do something quickly and asynchronously, that is when the Callable interface is best.

The Supplier interface is used to create an object that provides a single method for retrieving a value. It does not return a value itself, but instead returns a supplier that can provide a value. This is especially useful when you need to access a value from multiple places in your code, as you can use a Supplier to provide the same value no matter where it is requested. This also makes it easier to maintain and debug your code, as the value can be updated in one place and will automatically be reflected everywhere else.

So, when should you use Callable and Supplier in Java? If your code requires the creation of an object that can execute a task in a concurrent manner, or if you need a single source for a value that needs to be accessed often, then these two interfaces are the best choices. They can help reduce the complexity of your code while providing a simpler and more efficient way of working with certain types of objects.