Mastering Java: The Ultimate Quiz for 'Thinking in Java'

In Java, why might you use a final argument?

1. To improve performance

2. To prevent the method from modifying its value

3. To make the argument a compile-time constant

4. To make the method abstract

The correct answer is: To improve performance

A final argument in Java is typically used when you want to ensure that the value of the argument cannot be changed within the method. This is useful in situations where you want to prevent accidental modification of the argument or where you don't want the argument to have different values in different executions of the method. Options C and D are incorrect because they are focused on the method itself, rather than the argument. Option C specifically talks about making the argument a compile-time constant, which is not the same as making it a final argument. Option D mentions making the method abstract, which is a completely different concept from using a final argument. Option B is similar, but not quite the same as the correct answer. By using a final argument, you are specifing that the value cannot be modified at all, not just within the method. This can also help with performance, as the compiler can make optimizations