Exactly. A null Optional reference is such an obvious bug, that it can easily be detected by simple analysis tools. OTOH, a null is often an accepted (if deride

Exactly. A null Optional reference is such an obvious bug, that it can easily be detected by simple analysis tools. OTOH, a null is often an accepted (if derided) method of indicating that a value simply doesn't exist, so it's much more difficult to detect when a null will cause a problem.