The Stream API

CHAPTER  29

The Stream API

Of the many new features added by JDK 8, the two that are, arguably, the most important are lambda expressions and the stream API. Lambda expressions were described in Chapter 15. The stream API is described here. As you will see, the stream API is designed with lambda expressions in mind. Moreover, the stream API provides some of the most significant demonstrations of the power that lambdas bring to Java.

Although its design compatibility with lambda expressions is impressive, the key aspect of the stream API is its ability to perform very sophisticated operations that search, filter, map, or otherwise manipulate data. For example, using the stream API, you can construct sequences of actions that resemble, in concept, the type of database queries for which you might use SQL. Furthermore, in many cases, such actions can be performed in parallel, thus providing a high level of efficiency, especially when large data sets are involved. Put simply, the stream API provides a powerful means of handling data in an efficient, yet easy to use way.

Before continuing, an important point needs to be made: The stream API uses some of Java’s most advanced features. To fully understand and utilize it requires a solid understanding of generics and lambda expressions. The basic concepts of parallel execution and a working knowledge of the Collections Framework are also needed. (See Chapters 14, 15, 18, and 28.)