How I learnt to like Optional http://steinar.bang.priv.no/?p=450 #java_programming #bloat #functional_programming #java #java8 #java_bloat #nosuchelementexception #nullpointerexception #optional #orelse #orelsethrow #programming I used to see Optional<Something> as a completely useless addition to Java, adding to the bloat of Java without being any clearer than checking if a reference is null. I have changed my mind, and now think Optional<> can be useful in making code simpler, easier to under