Java record Keyword: The Complete Guide

Learn everything about Java record – an immutable data class alternative to POJOs. See how to use records in a Spring Boot app as DTOs.

🚀 Introduction: What is a record in Java?

In Java, we often create plain data-carrying objects (POJOs) with:
✅ Getters & setters
✅ Constructors
✅ Equals & hashCode
✅ toString() methods

💡 Java 14 introduced the record keyword, which automatically generates these methods, reducing boilerplate code.

📌 In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ What is a Java record and how it works
✅ How records simplify data modeling
✅ How to use records as DTOs (Data Transfer Objects) in Spring Boot

🔍 What is a Java record?

A Java record is a special class used to store immutable data.

📌 Key Features of Java record:
✔ Immutable fields – Cannot be modified after creation.
✔ Auto-generated constructor, getters, toString(), equals(), and hashCode().
✔ Ideal for DTOs, API responses, and data modeling.

1️⃣ Declaring a Simple record (Employee Example)