Writing a lambda expression when parameters are ignored in the body

Question

How do I write a lambda expression if it doesn't require arguments and hence its name is excessive?

This way doesn't compile:

setRowFactory(-> new TableRowCustom());

But this one does:

setRowFactory(__ -> new TableRowCustom());

Is there a better way?

Answer 1

Since you've mentioned that this works

setRowFactory(__ -> new TableRowCustom());

I assume that the expected functional interface method must accept a single argument. The identifier _ is a reserved keyword since Java 8.

I would just use a throwaway single (valid identifier) character.

setRowFactory(i -> new TableRowCustom());
setRowFactory($ -> new TableRowCustom()); 

Although, you should probably avoid the use of the $, the Java Language Specification states

The dollar sign should be used only in mechanically generated source code or, rarely, to access pre-existing names on legacy systems. The underscore may be used in identifiers formed of two or more characters, but it cannot be used as a one-character identifier due to being a keyword.

You can also write out

setRowFactory(ignored -> new TableRowCustom());

to be explicit.

The Java Language Specification defines the syntax of a lambda expression

LambdaExpression:
  LambdaParameters -> LambdaBody 

and

LambdaParameters:
  Identifier
  ( [FormalParameterList] )
  ( InferredFormalParameterList )
InferredFormalParameterList:
  Identifier {, Identifier}

In other words, you cannot omit an identifier.

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As Holger suggests, if and when they decide to use _ as an unused parameter name, it will be easy to change from __ to _ in your source code. You may want to just stick with that for now.