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Discover how to streamline your `when` statements in Kotlin by handling multiple types concurrently for cleaner and more efficient code.
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How to Simplify when Conditions for Two Different Types in Kotlin

Kotlin is known for its powerful and expressive syntax, yet occasionally, we encounter challenges when trying to efficiently handle different types in our code. A common scenario arises when needing to call the same function for two different types using a when statement. You might find yourself duplicating code or - worst case - creating separate branches for handling similar logic.

In this guide, we will explore how to simplify a when condition seamlessly and effectively, leveraging Kotlin's capabilities to keep our code clean and efficient.

The Problem: Multiple Types in when

Imagine you have a Kotlin function where you manage different types, such as Mono and Flux. You want to call the same method but avoid redundancy in your code. Here's the initial code example that presents the problem:

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This approach works, but it’s not as clean as it could be. You have two separate branches for Mono and Flux, which only leads to code duplication.

The Solution: Streamlining the Logic

One effective solution is to invoke functions conditionally within a single branch of the when statement without repeating the call. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Function Definition

Notice that the toServiceResponse for Flux can be defined in terms of the toServiceResponse for Mono:

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This implementation showcases that we can reuse existing functionality and minimize redundancy.

Step 2: Updating the when Statement

By refactoring the when statement, you can organize the code more efficiently. Consider this revised version:

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In this refactored code, you handle both types in one statement before calling toServiceResponse, ensuring that your logic remains intact without extra complexity.

Alternative: Utilizing let

Besides using a when statement, here's another elegant alternative that achieves the same goal, using let:

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This method allows you to handle the value without needing to specifically check each type in separate branches. It uses the safe cast operator as?, providing a neater way to execute conditional logic.

Conclusion

Handling two different types in Kotlin can be a breeze if you adopt better organizational strategies. By focusing on reusability and leveraging Kotlin’s features, such as extension functions and smart casts, you can keep your code clean, readable, and efficient. Whether you prefer the when approach or the let method, both techniques help reduce duplication and streamline your function calls.

Next time you face a similar challenge, remember these methods, and simplify your code for better maintainability!