What are finalizers in Java and how do they work?

What are finalizers in Java and how do they work?

Finalizers in Java are special methods that are called just before an object is garbage collected. They allow you to perform cleanup operations.

When should I use finalizers?

You should use finalizers sparingly, as they can lead to performance issues and unpredictability in garbage collection.

Are there any alternatives to using finalizers?

Yes, using try-with-resources or explicit cleanup methods is often preferred over finalizers for resource management.

Can you give an example of a finalizer in Java?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

protected void finalize() throws Throwable {
    try {
        // cleanup code here
    } finally {
        super.finalize();
    }
}