Assertions allow a programmer to test their assumptions about a program's behaviour. For example, ensure that the result of some calculation is always greater than zero. Before J2SE 1.4, a programmer had to write their own assertion mechanism such as coding a utility class method. J2SE 1.4 added the assert keyword. Read Programming With Assertions for an introduction to using assert. If you already use or plan to use assertions, you may also want to read about the Assertions Are Free Misconception.

The assertions facility was introduced to Java via JSR-41 A Simple Assertion Facility.

Articles

(Jul 2002) Assertions and temporal logic in Java programming - Introduce temporal logic to assertions to supplement testing.
(Apr 2002) Using Assertions - JDC technical tip.
(Feb 2002) Magic with Merlin: Working with assertions - Learn how to enable and disable assertions in your Java code.
(Dec 2001) J2SE 1.4 premieres Java's assertion capabilities, Part 2 - Understand the methodology impact of Java's new assertion facility.
(Nov 2001) J2SE 1.4 premieres Java's assertion capabilities, Part 1 - Understand the mechanics of Java's new assertion facility.

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