Examine Java objects build variants.

Telescopic constructor NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• simple.

Cons:

• poor scalability.

JavaBeans NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• simple;
• scales well.

Cons:

• too much boilerplate in usage;
• inconsistency and mutability are permitted.

Builder NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• simple usage;
• built instances are immutable and consistent.

Cons:

• too much boilerplate in class definition.

Elegant builder NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• class definition is shorter than in classic builder pattern.

Cons:

• builder methods change existing instance, so the same builder can't be reused;
• properties are non-final, so object is mutable, see Is this a safe publication of object?

IDEA InnerBuilder NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• fields only have to be specified, all of the methods can be generated by IDEA.

Cons:

• you have to use IDEA plugin;
• all of the boilerplate resides in source control system still.

Google AutoValue NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• much more less boilerplate;
• automatic equals(), hasCode() and toString() methods generation.

Cons:

• it's a code generation nevertheless, so it requires something like "mvn compile" before using
• builder support is experimental (you must use latest version from GitHub).

Project Lombok Builder NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• shortest declaration.

Cons:

• it's an AST manipulation i.e. the real magic :)
• plugin for IDE is required.

POJO Builder NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• can be used in conjunction with AutoValue or Lombok;
• is recommended by Umputun :)

Cons:

• can't generate getters and setters;
• it's a code generation nevertheless, so it requires something like "mvn compile" before using.

Immutables NutritionFacts.java example.

Pros:

• boilerplate is gone completely;
• automatic equals(), hasCode() and toString() methods generation;
• automatic withXXX() methods generation;
• uses Java 8 features (Optional etc.)

Cons:

• it's a code generation nevertheless, so it requires something like "mvn compile" before using.

• Использование паттерна Builder в случае, когда мы сталкиваемся с конструктором с многими параметрами
• Элегантный Builder на Java
• IntelliJ IDEA plugin which generates an inner builder class
• Google AutoValue, Immutable Value Objects in Java with Google AutoValue
• Project Lombok Builder
• POJO Builder
• Immutables.org, JSON serialization