Will Static Fields in Java, Like `myObject` in `MyUtils`, Ever Be Garbage Collected?

Static Fields and Garbage Collection

An often-discussed topic in Java is the handling of static fields and their relation to garbage collection. This question delves into the subject by considering an example of a hypothetical utility class, MyUtils, which primarily serves as a setup aid for the program.

The class defines two static members: a private reference myObject and the doStuff method, which takes in various parameters and performs operations using both myObject and the provided arguments. The question arises - will myObject be eligible for garbage collection when it is no longer required, or will it endure throughout the program's execution?

The answer lies in understanding the nature of static fields in Java. Static fields are allocated memory outside of any specific object instances, making them accessible globally within the class. Due to this broader accessibility, they are not candidates for garbage collection while the class itself remains loaded within the JVM.

Instead, static variables become available for cleanup only when the class loader responsible for loading their class is itself reclaimed by the garbage collector. This means that static fields associated with classes loaded by the bootstrap loader, which is the core Java class loader, will perpetually reside in memory as long as the program runs.

It is worth noting that the doStuff method, being static, also exhibits similar behavior. It remains accessible throughout the program's execution and cannot be garbage collected until the entire MyUtils class is unloaded, making its use during program setup an appropriate choice.

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