I been reading the book OCA Java SE 8 Programmer I Exam Guide by Kathy Sierra + Bert Bates.
There is something about the finalize method I don't get it quite well. It states on page 218:
Calling
finalize()can actually result in saving an object from deletion.
Later on page 222:
You can make an object ineligible for GC from within
finalize().
English is not my native language, but what I understand in both scenarios is that the finalize() method can prevent the object from being garbage collected? Is this so? Or am I misinterpreting it?
This is really more of a theoretical thing: objects are eligible for garbage collection when they aren't referenced from other live objects anymore.
Thus: you could try to create such a reference within finalize(). Which would then theoretically prevent the object from being removed.
There is actually a "pattern name" for that: object resurrection. Now, if this is a pattern, or more of an anti pattern is open for debate.
(personally: I would never do that, and I have never been in a situation where it would have been necessary to use this pattern)