void handling in expression lambdas and lambda conversion

[Peter Levart]

I have two questions about void handling.

Currently, as specified by CfJ 0.6a, expression lambda form takes an expression:

# ( FormalParameters opt ) Expression

Since valid "Expression" as defined by JLS allways denotes a result value, such lambdas can only be assigned to function types that specify a return type that is assignment compatible with the lambda's expression.

My first question is: Would these be considered valid assigments:

#void() lambda1 = #() (Void)null;
#void() lambda2 = #() 1;


The other question is: Would it be possible to relax constraints for the expression specified in expression lambda to allow a method invocation of a void method?

There is already one exception in JLS for "void" expressions - the ExpressionStatement. I think this would be usefull for expression lambdas as well.

So instead of writing:

#() { someMethod(); }

or:

#() ( someMethod(); (Void)null )

One could write:

#() someMethod()

even if someMethod was a void method.


I know that "Method References" are even a more compact syntax, but as specified, are not powerfull enough for specifying this:

int a = 1;
#void(int) lambda = #(int b) method(a, b);


And if "void" expressions were allowed in expression lambdas, other forms of "void" expressions could be introduced that would be valid only in expression lambdas.

Peter