Safely casting long to int in Java

Streamlined safeguard: Math.toIntExact makes casting safer than a double-seater bike

Java 8 wears the hero cape with Math.toIntExact(), offering a safer way to cast:

long longValue = // it's a big world;
try {
    int intValue = Math.toIntExact(longValue); // It's Miller Time!
} catch (ArithmeticException e) {
    // Baby on board! Handle possible overflow.
}
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Math.toIntExact() saves you from surprise ArithmeticExceptions like those pop-up ads you despise.

Short detour: Overflow control with Java 8

Java 8 not only brings nifty traffic lights (read: methods) for overflow control but also coats the road with overflow proofing like incrementExact, subtractExact, decrementExact, negateExact, subtractExact. Go ahead, take the roadster out for a spin!

Overflow-safe casting with Google Guava

No Java 8? Don't sweat. Lie back and let Google Guava do the heavy lifting:

long longValue = // some hotshot long value;
try {
    int intValue = Ints.checkedCast(longValue); // Let's Guava this.
} catch (IllegalArgumentException e) {
    // Houston, we couldn't fit the long into int. Manage this.
}
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Embracing precision with BigDecimal

Sometimes you need casting precision, not compromises. BigDecimal is your smooth operator:

long longValue = // some long;
int intValue = new BigDecimal(longValue).intValueExact(); // Highly precise, like a Swiss watch!
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Java to the rescue: Safer casting methods

Feeling overwhelmed by this casting call? Java offers a safety net. Just like an overprotective mom, it ensures that you don't trip and hurt yourself.

long goodLong = 2L * Integer.MAX_VALUE; // Bigger than life!
int badInt = (int) goodLong; // Uh-oh. Didn't see that one coming did you?
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Choose safety over surprises. You're not playing Russian Roulette here.