Method with more than three negations

Reports methods with three or more negations. Such methods may be confusing.

Example:

  void doSmth(int a, int b, boolean flag1, boolean flag2) {
    if (!flag && !flag2) {
      if (a != b) {
        doOther();
      }
    }
  }

Without negations, the method becomes easier to understand:

  void doSmth(int a, int b, boolean flag1, boolean flag2) {
    if (flag1 || flag2 || a == b) return;
    doOther();
  }

Locating this inspection

By ID

Can be used to locate inspection in e.g. Qodana configuration files, where you can quickly enable or disable it, or adjust its settings.

ThreeNegationsPerMethod

Via Settings dialog

Path to the inspection settings via IntelliJ Platform IDE Settings dialog, when you need to adjust inspection settings directly from your IDE.

Settings or Preferences | Editor | Inspections | Java | Method metrics

Configure the inspection:

Use the Ignore negations in 'equals()' methods option to disable the inspection within equals() methods.
Use the Ignore negations in 'assert' statements to disable the inspection within assert statements.

Inspection options

Here you can find the description of settings available for the Method with more than three negations inspection, and the reference of their default values.

Ignore negations in 'equals()' methods: Default: Selected
Ignore negations in 'assert' statements: Not selected

Availability

By default bundled with: IntelliJ IDEA 2024.1, Qodana for JVM 2024.1,
Can be installed with plugin: Java, 241.18072

Last modified: 18 June 2024