Java

PhilD · 03-26-2003, 03:55 PM

I am undertaking the task of learning Java for a class and have a quick question for any of you more knowledgeable than I....

Below is my code:

Code:

Packet p;
p = new Packet(0, 1, mc);
send(p);

p = new Packet(0, 2, mc);
send(p);

My question is, will this cause a memory leak when p is reassigned. I believe in C++ there is a delete reserved word that called the destructor for the class. (Packet is a class) This does not seem be be available in Java. If the above will cause problems, what is the correct way to do the above.

Thank you for any information you may have,

PhilD

llama_meme · 03-26-2003, 04:34 PM

Java has automatic memory management, a.k.a garbage collection. You don't ever need to (and cannot) explicitly delete an object.

Alex

PhilD · 03-27-2003, 08:48 AM

Thanks, that is exactly what I needed to know. It still feels odd, but I guess I will trust that Java knows what it is doing.

PhilD

acjt · 03-28-2003, 04:56 PM

If you really believe that you are finished with the object, you could simply set it to null.
p = null;
This would then (depending on the garbage collector used) indicate that the object is really ready for collection, rather than the gc having to work it out. Garbage collection is an in depth topic though, and you could spend a good few days reading about it

acid2000 · 03-28-2003, 05:38 PM

I wouldn't do that it could still cause a segfault. Just leave it to the garbage collector.