Explain Codes LogoExplain Codes Logo

How to get the name of a class without the package?

java
reflection-api
class-naming
java-8
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Dec 23, 2024
TLDR

Quickly fetch the class name sans package using the getSimpleName() method:

// MyClass is so classy, we got its name without a surname! String simpleName = MyClass.class.getSimpleName();

For an instance named obj, utilize:

// obj's first-name basis acquaintance! String simpleName = obj.getClass().getSimpleName();

This method returns only the class name, leaving behind the package name.

Detailed breakdown of getSimpleName()

getSimpleName() is a nifty shortcut to get only the class name without the package. It masks away the headaches of string manipulation, optimizing your Java class naming needs.

Advantages of getSimpleName()

  • Uniformity: It guarantees expected results across different use-cases and class types.
  • Context clarity: Its usage is self-explanatory, setting aside the need to decode string operations.
  • Maintainability: It makes your code piece tidier and more understandable.

Kinks in the armor

However, exercise caution when 'getting names' from anonymous classesgetSimpleName() yields an empty string. Also, local and member classes portray their names prefixed with the enclosing class's name.

Advanced remedies

Sometimes, getSimpleName() may not be the apple of your eye. Certain scenarios beg for different measures or tailored results.

Handling arrays

Java arrays carry their own syntax quirks, inviting the usage of java.lang.reflect.Array. To harvest the class name from an array, call ‛getComponentType().getSimpleName()‛.

Inner class intricacies

If you must distinguish inner classes or handle the notorious $ symbol in the compiled name of inner classes, resort to getName() followed by manual string manipulation.

Third-party libraries to the rescue

Libraries like Apache Commons Lang may offer extra arsenal like ClassUtils.getShortClassName() for similar tasks, standing as a solid cohort to the native Java Reflection API.