Java static fields

Question

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Are static fields open for garbage collection?

If an object has a static reference in some class, will that object never be garbage collected? Also at what point will a static field be initialized?

Same as http://stackoverflow.com/questions/453023/are-static-fields-open-for-garbage-collection — Santosh, Jan 04 '12 at 08:26

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 04 '12 at 08:24

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A static field is initialised when the class is loaded. It is available to be GCed when its class loader is unloaded.

answered Jan 04 '12 at 08:24

Peter Lawrey

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At what point will it be unloaded? – Rnet Jan 04 '12 at 08:33
When the ClassLoader is not referenced anywhere. You will only see this for ClassLoaders you create. – Peter Lawrey Jan 04 '12 at 08:34

score 1 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 10:08

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Well, this has been asked on SO multiple times. Since these are two questions, let's break it down:

Static variables are garbage collected when the ClassLoader through which they are loaded is electable for garbage collection. Check this post: Are static fields open for garbage collection?

As for initialization, they are initialized once the class holding them is first loaded. Check this post also: Why static fields are not initialized in time?

edited May 23 '17 at 10:08

Community

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answered Jan 04 '12 at 08:26

Nikola Yovchev

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Sometimes I wonder if the forum is called SO because the same questions get asked SO many times. ;) – Peter Lawrey Jan 04 '12 at 08:33

Java static fields

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