Difference between Object and Reference, in this Scenario.

[N.Senthil Kumar]

May i know the Difference between these three expressions and where and which to use.


HashMap map = null;
map = map2;

and

HashMap map = map2;

and

HashMap map = new HashMap();
map = map2;


Thanks

[Ernest Friedman-Hill]

The first and third versions make an unnecessary assignment to the variable; the third is really terrible because you create an object that is never used for anything. The second version does only as much work as is needed, and no more.

Now, I don't know what that has to do with your subject? An object is like a Dog, and a reference is like a Leash. It connects you to the Dog; it provides a way to refer to the Dog. A variable is a reference.

[N.Senthil Kumar]

Ernest Friedman-Hill wrote:The first and third versions make an unnecessary assignment to the variable; the third is really terrible because you create an object that is never used for anything. The second version does only as much work as is needed, and no more.

Thanks