Interview Question

What is garbage collection?

GC reclaims unreachable heap objects; its timing and algorithm are implementation-dependent.

💡 Concept ✅ Quick Revision ☕ Java

Answer

Garbage collection is automatic reclamation of heap storage for unreachable objects. • The JVM specification does not require one particular collection algorithm. • An object remains reachable through live references and JVM roots. • Garbage collection does not automatically close files, sockets, or other external resources.

Example

Code

Object value = new Object();
value = null;
System.gc(); // only a request

Quick Revision

GC reclaims unreachable heap objects; its timing and algorithm are implementation-dependent.

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