Example

import java.util.*;

/**
* When using parentheses, extra spaces may be used to slightly
* increase legibility. Here, both styles are illustrated for comparison.
*/
public final class ExtraSpace {

  public void explode( String aThing ) {
    expand( aThing );  //with extra spaces
    burst(aThing);     //without extra spaces
  }

  // PRIVATE 
  private static final String fBALLOON = "balloon";
  private static final String fTIRE = "tire";

  private void expand( String aThing ){
    if ( aThing.equals( fBALLOON ) ) { //with extra spaces
      //..elided
    }
    else if (aThing.equals(fTIRE)){    //without extra spaces
      //..elided
    }
    else {
      //..elided
    }
  }

  private void burst( String aThing ){  //with extra spaces
    //..elided
  }
}