Java Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 17. Garbage Collection and Memory
Civilization is a limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessaries.
Mark Twain
The Java virtual machine uses a technique known as
garbage collection
to
determine when an object is no longer referenced within a program, and
so can be safely reclaim466466ed to free up memory space. This chapter
teaches the basic ideas behind garbage collection, how the programmer
can be involved in the garbage collection process, and how special refer-
ence objects can be used to influence when an object may be considered
garbage.
