String-Related Interview Questions with
Explanations and Examples
1. What is the Difference Between String, StringBuffer, and StringBuilder?
Feature String StringBuffer StringBuilder
Mutability Immutable Mutable Mutable
Thread- Thread-safe
Not thread-safe Not thread-safe
Safety (synchronized)
Slow for Slower due to Faster for single-threaded
Performance
modifications synchronization scenarios
Use when content is Use in multi-threaded Use for single-threaded
Use Case
constant applications mutable strings
Example Code:
public class StringTypesExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// String
String str = "Hello";
str.concat(" World"); // Doesn't modify original string
System.out.println(str); // Outputs: Hello
// StringBuffer
StringBuffer sb = new StringBuffer("Hello");
sb.append(" World"); // Modifies original object
System.out.println(sb); // Outputs: Hello World
// StringBuilder
StringBuilder sbuilder = new StringBuilder("Hello");
sbuilder.append(" World"); // Modifies original object
System.out.println(sbuilder); // Outputs: Hello World
}
}
2. Why Are String Objects Immutable?
• Security: Immutable strings prevent data tampering (e.g., when used in ClassLoaders,
network connections, etc.).
• Caching: Strings are cached in the string pool. Immutability ensures their consistent
use across the application.
• Thread-Safety: Immutable strings are inherently thread-safe, as their state cannot
change once created.
Example:
String str1 = "Hello";
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String str2 = str1;
str1 = "World"; // str2 still points to "Hello"
System.out.println(str2); // Outputs: Hello
3. What Will You Use to Store Passwords: char[] or String? Why?
Answer: Use a char[] instead of String to store passwords.
Reason:
1. Strings are immutable, so once created, their value cannot be changed. Passwords
stored in String remain in memory until garbage collected, which can lead to
security risks if someone dumps memory.
2. char[] values can be explicitly cleared after use by overwriting the array.
Example:
import java.util.Arrays;
public class PasswordExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
char[] password = {'p', 'a', 's', 's', 'w', 'o', 'r', 'd'};
// Clear password after use
Arrays.fill(password, '*');
System.out.println("Password cleared: " +
Arrays.toString(password));
}
}
4. What Happens When You Create a String Object Using Literals and the
new Keyword?
1. Using String Literals:
o When a string is created using literals, it is stored in the string pool.
o If another string with the same value exists, the same reference is reused.
2. Using new Keyword:
o Creates a new object in the heap memory.
o Does not check the string pool for existing strings with the same value.
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Example:
public class StringCreationExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// String literal
String str1 = "Hello";
String str2 = "Hello"; // Points to the same reference as str1
System.out.println(str1 == str2); // true
// Using new keyword
String str3 = new String("Hello");
System.out.println(str1 == str3); // false
}
}
5. Where Did You Use String and StringBuffer in Your Project?
String Usage:
1. Data Storage: Used to store constant data like file paths, user IDs, or configuration
properties.
2. Validation: For user input validations like email format or password strength.
3. APIs: Used as parameters in API calls for sending or receiving data.
StringBuffer Usage:
1. Thread-Safe Modifications: Used in multi-threaded scenarios where a string is
frequently modified, like logging in a synchronized environment.
2. File Handling: Concatenating file contents while reading in a multi-threaded
application.
Example:
public class ProjectExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Using String for file path
String filePath = "/user/data/file.txt";
// Using StringBuffer for multi-threaded logging
StringBuffer log = new StringBuffer();
synchronized (log) {
log.append("Thread-1: Start\n");
log.append("Thread-2: Processing\n");
System.out.println(log);
}
}
}
These answers provide a comprehensive understanding of how and why to use different
String types in Java. Let me know if you need further clarifications or additions!
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