How to check Null value for Date Object

Question

I am using JSF 2.0 and RichFaces 3.3. In my View user will pich a date from a calendar. Tag used is <rich:calendar>. This is mapped in backing bean with Date object. However this field is optional and hence when user does not select a date the backing bean getter for this particular entry returns null, which is right.

My problem is that I have to store this date in DB. So before storing I am type casting it in this manner:

if (newProfile.get(Constants.DETAILS_EXPIRY_DATE_1).equals(null)) {
    this.cStmt.setDate(15,null);
} else {
    java.sql.Date sqlDate = new java.sql.Date(((java.util.Date)newProfile.get(Constants.DETAILS_EXPIRY_DATE_1)).getTime());
    this.cStmt.setDate(15,sqlDate);
}

However it is throwing a NullPointerException in the if condition. I want to insert null value in DB when user does not select a date. How can I do this?

Post the stack trace. By the look of it if you are getting nullpoint at if it can only be from 'newProfile' meaning it is not initialized nothing to do with do. — Shahzeb, Sep 13 '11 at 05:17
@Shahzeb, it might also be that the `newProfile.get(Constants.DETAILS_EXPIRY_DATE_1)` returns a `null`. — Buhake Sindi, Sep 13 '11 at 05:20
Yeah...that line is returning null but that is why I want to check for null value....I know when won't select a date it will have null value..and since it contains null value I will store null value without type casting..But if condition itself is throwing Null Pointer Exception,. — AngelsandDemons, Sep 13 '11 at 05:28

score 5 · Answer 1 · answered Sep 13 '11 at 05:30

If you want to be more robust in avoiding NullPointerException,

if (newProfile != null) {
    Object obj = newProfile.get(Constants.DETAILS_EXPIRY_DATE_1);
    if (obj == null) {
        this.cStmt.setDate(15, null);
    } else {
        java.sql.Date sqlDate = new java.sql.Date(((java.util.Date)obj).getTime());
                this.cStmt.setDate(15,sqlDate);

    }
}

Vaandu · Answer 2 · 2011-09-13T05:53:34.780

-2

Try if(newProfile.get(Constants.DETAILS_EXPIRY_DATE_1) == null)

For String, you can use equals() method. Also, objects need null check before using equals method to avoid NullPointerException.

edited Sep 13 '11 at 05:53

answered Sep 13 '11 at 05:13

Vaandu

4,857
12
49
75

1

Not only this answer is incorrect but has also got an upvote -unreal. – Shahzeb Sep 13 '11 at 05:17
@Vanathi My problem seems to be solved...I assumed that along with String, Date object can also be checked as null using .equals method and that is why it failed intially... – AngelsandDemons Sep 13 '11 at 05:26
@Vanathi, your answer is correct but your explanation is wrong. – Buhake Sindi Sep 13 '11 at 05:32
It worked for me. plz some expert may explain why is this wrong? – learner Nov 16 '12 at 11:02

How to check Null value for Date Object

2 Answers2