orElselikevalue

orElselikevalue is a term used to describe a pattern in programming that selects a value from a primary source or a fallback when the primary value is missing, null, or invalid. The term is not standardized in language specifications, but it captures a common behavior found in many languages’ optional or nullable constructs. It is closely related to the idea of providing a default value when data is unavailable.

In practice, orElselikevalue is implemented as a construct—such as a method, operator, or expression—that returns the primary value if it is present, otherwise returns a specified fallback. Many languages implement this behavior with dedicated features: for example, a method like Optional.orElse in Java, the Elvis operator in Kotlin, or the null-coalescing operator in C#. Some implementations also allow the fallback to be provided as a function or supplier, enabling lazy evaluation so the fallback is computed only if needed.

Examples in pseudocode:

- value = optionalValue.orElselikevalue(defaultValue)

- value = optionalValue ?? defaultValue

- value = optionalValue.orElselikevalue(() -> expensiveComputation())

Variants and considerations:

- Lazy vs eager fallback: a function-based fallback prevents unnecessary computation.

- Nullability and presence checks: behavior may differ when distinguishing between null, None, or empty states.

- Readability and intent: explicit orElselikevalue-like syntax can clarify intent in codebases with many optional values.

See also: orElse, Elvis operator, null-coalescing operator, Optional/Maybe types, default values.