Java References
In Java, references are used to store memory addresses of objects rather than the objects themselves. References are crucial for managing object lifecycles, memory allocation, and garbage collection in Java programs. There are several types of references in Java, including strong references, weak references, soft references, and phantom references. Strong references are the default type and prevent the garbage collector from reclaiming the memory of an object as long as the reference is active. Weak references allow objects to be garbage-collected if they are not strongly referenced elsewhere. Soft references are similar to weak references but are only reclaimed by the garbage collector when memory is low. Phantom references are primarily used for cleanup actions after an object has been finalized but before its memory is reclaimed. Understanding and using the appropriate type of references are essential for managing memory effectively and avoiding memory leaks in Java applications.