What does it mean for a String in Java to be immutable?

What does it mean for a String in Java to be immutable?

In Java, a String is immutable, meaning once it's created, its value cannot be changed. Any modification creates a new String.

Why is immutability important in Java?

Immutability provides several benefits, such as thread safety, security, and performance optimizations in memory management.

Can you give an example of how String immutability works?

Sure! If you have a String str = "Hello"; and then do str = str + " World!";, a new String is created instead of modifying the original.

Are there any alternatives to using Strings in Java?

Yes, you can use StringBuilder or StringBuffer for mutable sequences of characters, which allow modifications without creating new objects.