Java: What is the difference between Record and Class for DTOs?

Record — simpler, immutable, less boilerplate. Class — more flexible, mutable.

Record for DTOs:

• Less code.
• Immutable by default.
• Auto-generated equals, hashCode, toString.
• Good for simple data transfer.
• No need to write boilerplate code.

1public record UserDTO(String name, String email, int age) {}
2
3// Usage
4UserDTO dto = new UserDTO("Alice", "alice@example.com", 25);
5System.out.println(dto);  // UserDTO[name=Alice, email=alice@example.com, age=25]

Class for DTOs:

• More control.
• Can be mutable.
• Can have validation logic.
• Works with frameworks requiring setters.
• Can extend other classes.

1public class UserDTO {
2    @NotBlank
3    private String name;
4
5    @Email
6    private String email;
7
8    private int age;
9
10    // getters, setters, validation
11    public String getName() { return name; }
12    public void setName(String name) { this.name = name; }
13}

Framework compatibility:

• Record: works with Jackson (2.12+), Spring.
• Class: works with all frameworks.
• Some older frameworks may not support Record serialization.

Performance considerations:

• Record: slightly faster due to immutability and no setter overhead.
• Class: may have overhead from mutable state management.

Best practice:

• Use Record for simple DTOs with no validation.
• Use Class when you need complex validation or mutable state.