Finalize():will garbage collector call finalize() after my code has already called it?

[mani manisha]

hi,

In one of the SCJP prep mock exams I saw such a question:
1) code creates an object of a class with finalize method.
2) code calls the finalize method for that object..
3) something makes that object unused and eligible for garbage collection


now, when the GC runs, will it again run the finalize method for the same object..?
(unfortunately no answer or explanation was provided.....)

thanks in advance !

[Jack Tol]

The garbage collector will call the finalize method for a particular object once. It doesn't matter whether you have called the finalize method yourself or not.

So in your case: yes, the garbage collector will call the finalize method.

[Vijay Tidake]

Hi,
The JVM will call the finalize method only once during the life cycle of object.
Also see the link for further clarification.

Thanks

[mani manisha]

Confusing .. I read in some forum that the JVM will run the finalize method regardless of whether my code called it explicitly or not.

[Stephan van Hulst]

The JVM may or may not call the finalize method. If it does, it does it only once. It does this regardless of how many times you call the finalize method yourself. However, you should never call the method yourself.