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Javaeasy

Why is String immutable in Java?

Tags
#string#immutability#memory#java
Back to categoryPractice quiz

Answer

String is immutable so it can be safely shared between threads, cached/interned in the String pool, and reliably used as a key in hash‑based collections (stable hashCode). It also improves security because values like class names or file paths can’t be modified after creation.

Advanced answer

Deep dive

Expanding on the short answer — what usually matters in practice:

  • Context (tags): string, immutability, memory, java
  • JVM: memory (heap/stack), GC, and what drives latency.
  • Contracts: equals/hashCode/toString, mutability and consequences.
  • Performance: boxing, allocations, collections, inlining.
  • Explain the "why", not just the "what" (intuition + consequences).
  • Trade-offs: what you gain/lose (time, memory, complexity, risk).
  • Edge cases: empty inputs, large inputs, invalid inputs, concurrency.

Examples

A tiny example (an explanation template):

// Example: discuss trade-offs for "why-is-string-immutable-in-java?"
function explain() {
  // Start from the core idea:
  // For security, synchronization (thread-safety), and optimization through the String Constan
}

Common pitfalls

  • Too generic: no concrete trade-offs or examples.
  • Mixing average-case and worst-case (e.g., complexity).
  • Ignoring constraints: memory, concurrency, network/disk costs.

Interview follow-ups

  • When would you choose an alternative and why?

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