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Mutable vs Immutable String

The document explains the difference between mutable and immutable strings in Java, focusing on memory allocation and management. It highlights how Java's String Constant Pool optimizes memory usage by reusing string literals and demonstrates string immutability through examples. For mutable strings, it introduces StringBuilder and StringBuffer, which allow modifications without creating new objects.

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3 views3 pages

Mutable vs Immutable String

The document explains the difference between mutable and immutable strings in Java, focusing on memory allocation and management. It highlights how Java's String Constant Pool optimizes memory usage by reusing string literals and demonstrates string immutability through examples. For mutable strings, it introduces StringBuilder and StringBuffer, which allow modifications without creating new objects.

Uploaded by

dhruv
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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09-Mutable vs Immutable string

Mutable vs. Immutable Strings in Java


Memory Allocation for Strings
In Java, memory management is crucial, especially when dealing with strings. Understanding
how strings are allocated and managed in memory can help in optimizing performance and
avoiding unnecessary overhead.
Example:
class Example {
public static void main(String[] args) {
String name = "navin";
System.out.println(name + " reddy");

String s1 = "navin";
String s2 = "navin";
System.out.println(s1 == s2); // Checking if both are referring to the same object or not
}
}
Output:
navin reddy
true
Explanation
At first glance, you might assume that s1 and s2 refer to different objects. However, both s1
and s2 point to the same object in memory. This is due to how Java handles string literals.
Memory Allocation in JVM
Within the JVM, memory is divided into two main regions: Heap Memory and Stack
Memory. When it comes to strings, there is a special area within the heap known as the
String Constant Pool (SCP).
• String Constant Pool: This pool is responsible for managing string literals.
Whenever a string literal is created, the JVM checks the SCP. If the string already
exists in the pool, the same object is reused, and no new memory is allocated. If the
string is not found in the SCP, a new memory allocation occurs.
What is the String Pool?
The String Pool (or String Intern Pool) is a special storage area in the Java heap where string
literals are stored. It's an optimization mechanism to reduce memory usage and improve
performance. By default, the String Pool is empty and is managed by the Java String class.
• Process:
o When a string literal is created, the JVM checks the String Pool.
o If the literal exists, the JVM returns a reference to the existing object.
o If the literal doesn't exist, a new string object is created and added to the pool.
Example Breakdown
In the example provided:
• The string name is initially set to "navin". When "navin" is appended with " reddy", a
new memory allocation occurs because strings in Java are immutable.
• The original "navin" object becomes eligible for garbage collection since it's no
longer referenced.

This demonstrates string immutability—once a string object is created, its value cannot be
changed. Instead, any modification creates a new string object.
Mutable Strings
For scenarios where string modification is required without creating new objects, Java
provides:
• StringBuilder
• StringBuffer
Both of these classes allow for mutable strings, meaning you can modify the string without
creating new objects in memory.
Example of Mutable Strings
StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder("navin");
sb.append(" reddy");
System.out.println(sb.toString());
Output:
navin reddy
In this case, StringBuilder allows the string to be modified without creating a new object.

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