In Java, When I had a function that returned an object and it could not pass the validations inside ...

# announcements

[frank]

In Java, When I had a function that returned an object and it could not pass the validations inside the function it returned a null value .
Then I would checked the method if it returned null for the null-safety

What approaches can I use to replace null?
• Define Any type in the function and return my object or string etc.. ?
• Return empty object ?
• Suggestions ...
Code for replace null:

fun getParentPath(son :String) : Path {
    val parent = Paths.get(son).parent

    return parent?.let {
        if (Files.exists(parent))
            parent
        else null  // need alternative
    } ?: null     //  need alternative
}

[Foso]

What's wrong with returning "Path?" ?

[Milan Hruban]

the fact that kotlin distinguishes between nullable and non nullable types doesn't mean you should not use null when appropriate.
For your case, I think typical way would be to have

fun getParentPathOrNull(son: String): Path?
fun getParentPath(son: String): Path // throws exception when path cannot be determined

[nanodeath]

btw you can just say return parent?.takeIf { Files.exists(it) }

[frank]

@Milan Hruban Thx, I like it your approach but I'm going to return null in this case, I just realized that the method of API that I'm use it accepts nulls by default.