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GC - tricky question

 
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Hi Friends,
Please read a quesion from mock exam.
You have to select when object first is eligible for garbage collection?
class Riddle {
public static void main(String[] args) {
String first, second;
String riddle;
if (args.length < 2)
return; a: first = new String(args[0]);
b: second = new String(args[1]);
c: riddle = "When is a " + first;
d: first = null;
e: riddle += " like a " + second + "?";
f: second = null;
g: System.out.println(riddle);
h: args[0] = null;
i: args[1] = null;
j:
}
}
Select the one right answer.

a. d:
b. e:
c. h:
d. i:
e. j:
The ans. given is a but I think it should be c as the object first can still be referenced by args[0].
Even after reading about GC a lot, I still fail to understnad some questions. Please help to clear this question's doubt.
Thanks
Jyotsna
 
mister krabs
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Notice this statement:
first = new String(args[0]);
first is a completely different object then the String at args[0]. This statement is creating a second String object.
 
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befor line d: first---->ag[0]
after line d: first---->null & nothing refers to arg[0]
hence at this time it is eligible to gc.
Amit Madan
 
Jyotsna Umesh
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Originally posted by Thomas Paul:
Notice this statement:
first = new String(args[0]);
first is a completely different object then the String at args[0]. This statement is creating a second String object.


Thanks Thomas,
if the line was
first=args[0]; then I guess option c was the right choice, isn't it.
Thanks in advance
Jyotsna
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