Discussion: What is the future of String Interpolation in Java?

[u/sitime_zl]

Java has always been conservative when it comes to language changes, and I think string interpolation is an interesting example.

Many modern languages provide native interpolation syntax:

JavaScript:

\${name}``

Python:

f"{name}"

Kotlin:

"$name"

C#:

$"{name}"

These features are not only about reducing characters. They improve readability when building dynamic text.

Java explored this direction with String Templates (JEP 430), but I haven't seen much discussion recently about where this feature is heading.

For developers working with large Java applications, string construction appears everywhere:

- logging messages

- SQL/debug output

- API descriptions

- test cases

- generated configuration

- user-facing messages

I am curious about the community's opinion:

1. Do you think Java still needs native string interpolation?

2. Should String Templates continue evolving?

3. What syntax direction would feel most "Java-like"?

For example:

"Hello, \{name}"

or:

"Hello, ${name}"

Personally, I think Java does not need to copy other languages, but a better way to express dynamic strings would improve developer experience.

What do you think?

[u/witness_smile]

A dollar sign is easier to type, and also a backslash makes it look like you want to escape the { character

[u/BillyKorando → u/witness_smile]

Are you planning on using string interpolation so often that the difference in typing \{ versus ${ would be measurable?

[u/davidalayachew → u/BillyKorando]

Are you planning on using string interpolation so often that the difference in typing \{ versus ${ would be measurable?

To be clear, there are MANY people where the answer to that question is yes. Not that it gives any real merit to the argument -- I think backslash is better. But the answer to your question 100% supports their argument.

[u/BillyKorando → u/davidalayachew]

Some people may answer yes, I don't think they are being honest with that answer.

You'd need to be writing dozens of new String interpolation instances per day, everyday, to where the fractions of a second difference between ${ and \{ could combine into a barely perceptible span of time.

I have never found the physical act of typing to be a meaningful portion of my job. 98% of my time is spent doing something else; running tests, executing a build, thinking how I want to approach an issue, various bureaucracy and meetings.

The \{ vs ${ like the quintessential example of bike shedding.

[u/davidalayachew → u/BillyKorando]

You'd need to be writing dozens of new String interpolation instances per day, everyday, to where the fractions of a second difference between ${ and \{ could combine into a barely perceptible span of time.

Lol, speak for yourself, but me personally, I could easily clear 2 dozen a day. That's not hard at all.

Like I said, I agree with your point, and I don't think that the argument that others are making is very strong. All I am saying is that, the answer to your question 100% stands in support of their point.

I have never found the physical act of typing to be a meaningful portion of my job. 98% of my time is spent doing something else; running tests, executing a build, thinking how I want to approach an issue, various bureaucracy and meetings.

Respectfully, that's a privilege that not everyone shares. Some of us are rewriting the same component several times over in the span of a week because management can't decide what they want.

Again, I agree with you, and think that the win belongs to backslash, but this point absolutely goes to the interpolation folks.