Immutables vs Lombok: What are the differences?

Introduction

In the world of Java programming, two popular libraries that are commonly used for simplifying code are Immutables and Lombok. While both these libraries serve a similar purpose, they have some key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore and highlight the major differences between Immutables and Lombok.

1. Configuration: One of the key differences between Immutables and Lombok lies in their configuration approach. Immutables utilizes annotation-based configuration, where developers need to annotate their classes and methods explicitly to enable immutability. On the other hand, Lombok relies on a more implicit configuration approach, where it injects code during the compilation process without requiring explicit annotations.

2. Annotation Processors: Immutables uses its own annotation processor to generate immutable code, whereas Lombok relies on a separate Lombok annotation processor. This distinction means that if both Immutables and Lombok are used together in a project, there may be conflicts between their respective annotation processors, potentially causing compilation issues.

3. Features: Immutables focuses primarily on providing immutability-related features such as generating immutable classes with builders for enhanced readability. In contrast, Lombok offers a wider range of features including automatic generation of getters, setters, constructors, and more, reducing the need for writing boilerplate code.

4. Code Generation: Immutables generates immutable code during the compilation process by creating new classes for each immutable class. In comparison, Lombok modifies the existing source code of the classes using bytecode manipulation to inject the necessary code for the desired features.

5. IDE Support: Another important difference between Immutables and Lombok is their support for different Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). Immutables provides support for a range of IDEs including IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and NetBeans, making it easier for developers to work with different development environments. Lombok, on the other hand, is known for having better integration and support specifically within the IntelliJ IDEA IDE.

6. Community and Maintenance: Immutables has a smaller community compared to Lombok, resulting in relatively fewer resources and community-driven support. On the other hand, Lombok has a larger and more active community, and it is actively maintained and updated, providing regular bug fixes and new features.

In summary, Immutables and Lombok differ in their configuration approach, annotation processors, features offered, code generation approach, IDE support, and community maintenance. Understanding these differences will help developers choose the library that best suits their needs and project requirements.