Method References

1. What is a Method Reference?

A method reference is a shorthand way of referring directly to an existing method, using it as if it were a lambda expression, without rewriting its logic again.

2. Why is it used?

When a lambda expression would simply call an existing method with no extra logic, a method reference makes the code shorter and clearer by directly pointing to that method instead.

3. Real-Life Example

Think of saying "just do what the manual says," pointing directly to an existing instruction manual, instead of rewriting all those instructions again yourself. A method reference "points to" existing method logic instead of duplicating it.

4. Syntax

java
ClassName::methodName

5. Example Program

java
import java.util.List;
import java.util.Arrays;

public class MethodReferenceDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        List<String> names = Arrays.asList("Aman", "Riya", "Karan");
        names.forEach(System.out::println);
    }
}

Output:

Aman
Riya
Karan

6. Key Points to Remember

• Method references use the :: syntax between the class (or object) and the method name.
• They work only in places where a matching lambda expression could also be used.
• Common forms include static method references, instance method references, and constructor references.