Java advanced interview questions and answers for experienced candidates. 

Q. What is memory management in Java and types of memory?

In Java, memory management is a key aspect that involves understanding different types of memory and how Java handles them. Here are the main types of memory in Java:

Memory Type	Purpose	Characteristics
Heap Memory	The Java heap is a crucial runtime data area where memory allocation for all class instances and arrays occurs. This is where Java objects are dynamically allocated during program execution.	It is divided into two parts, the Young Generation (which includes Eden Space and Survivor Spaces) and the Old Generation (also known as the Tenured Generation).
Stack Memory	This memory is used for storing local variables and method call information. Each thread in a Java application has its own stack.	Stack memory, organized as a stack data structure, creates a stack frame for each method call, holding local variables and partial results. It is automatically managed and deallocated upon method completion.
Method Area (or Metaspace)	This area stores class-level data such as class structures, method data, and runtime constant pool information. In Java 8 and later, the Method Area is implemented as Metaspace.	Metaspace grows automatically by default, but you can configure its maximum size. It was previously known as the Permanent Generation (PermGen) in earlier Java versions.
Native Method Stack	This memory is used for native method calls, which are methods written in languages other than Java, like C or C++.	It is specific to JVM implementations and is used to support interactions with native libraries.
Program Counter (PC) Register	This is a small amount of memory that holds the address of the currently executing instruction. It helps the JVM to keep track of the execution flow.	Each thread has its own PC register to maintain the execution context of the thread.
Runtime Constant Pool	Part of the Method Area, the Runtime Constant Pool contains constants referenced by classes and methods (like string literals and numeric constants).	It is used during runtime to support the execution of bytecode instructions.

Java 8 Memory Management

1. Heap Memory:
   • Young Generation: Allocates new objects. It includes Eden Space and two Survivor Spaces (S0 and S1). It is collected using Minor Garbage Collection (GC).
   • Old Generation (Tenured Generation): Holds long-lived objects and is collected using Major Garbage Collection (Full GC).
   • Permanent Generation (PermGen): Stores class and method metadata. In Java 8, it has a fixed size, which can lead to OutOfMemoryError if not managed.
2. Garbage Collection (GC):
   • Serial GC: Uses a single thread for both Minor and Major GC, suitable for smaller applications.
   • Parallel GC: Uses multiple threads to improve GC efficiency on multi-core machines.
   • Concurrent Mark-Sweep (CMS) GC: Aims to minimize pause times by performing most GC work concurrently with application threads.
3. PermGen vs. Metaspace:
   • Metaspace (Java 8+): Replaces PermGen, residing in native memory and dynamically resizing as needed, avoiding fixed size constraints and OutOfMemoryError related to class metadata.

Latest Java Versions (Java 9 and Beyond)

1. Heap Memory:
   • Young Generation and Old Generation: Similar to Java 8, with improvements in GC algorithms.
2. Metaspace:
   • Continues to replace PermGen, dynamically managing class metadata without fixed size limits.
3. Garbage Collection (GC):
   • G1 GC: Introduced in Java 7, improved in Java 8 for predictable pause times by dividing the heap into regions.
   • ZGC (Java 11): Low-latency collector aiming for minimal pause times.
   • Shenandoah GC (Java 12): Focuses on low-latency and reduced pause times.
   • Epsilon GC (Java 11): No-op collector for performance testing.
4. Improved GC Algorithms:
   • Concurrent and Parallel Enhancements: Better handling of multi-core processors and large heaps.
   • Predictability and Performance: Improvements in G1, ZGC, and Shenandoah for better performance and reduced GC pause times.
5. Java 21 and Beyond:
   • Ongoing improvements in garbage collectors and support for large heaps and real-time applications.

G1 Garbage Collector Improvements in Java 17

1. Predictable Pause Times:
   • Region-based Collection: Divides the heap into regions for manageable collection chunks, enhancing pause time control.
   • Concurrent Work: Performs most work concurrently with application threads for minimal impact.
2. Incremental Improvements:
   • Adaptive Sizing: Adjusts region and heap sizes based on application behavior.
   • Enhanced Mixed Collection: Optimizes collection of both young and old generations together.
3. Improved Compaction:
   • Efficient Object Relocation: Reduces fragmentation and improves memory utilization.
4. GC Pause Time Goals:
   • Pause Time Target: Allows specification of a maximum pause time goal to improve predictability.
5. Concurrent and Parallel Processing:
   • Parallelism: Uses multiple threads for collection processes.
   • Concurrent Marking: Reduces pause times with concurrent marking phases.
6. Garbage Collection Logging and Monitoring:
   • Improved Visibility: Enhanced logging and monitoring for better GC performance understanding.
7. Large Heap Optimization:
   • Efficient Handling: Manages large heaps more effectively, reducing pause times.

Q. Differences Between PermGen and Metaspace?

Category	PermGen	Metaspace
Purpose and Usage	Fixed-size space in the heap for class and method metadata, prone to OutOfMemoryError.	Dynamically grows in native memory, avoiding fixed size constraints and OutOfMemoryError.
Memory Management	Fixed size, requires manual adjustment.	Dynamically resizes, uses native memory, and is managed automatically.
Garbage Collection	Less efficient class unloading, can lead to long pauses.	More efficient with class unloading, less impact on application performance.
Configuration and Monitoring	Specific size configuration needed.	Easier to manage and monitor with dynamic sizing.
Error Handling	Common OutOfMemoryError due to fixed size.	Less frequent OutOfMemoryError, typically due to memory leaks.

Q. Difference between Young Generation vs. Old Generation?

Category	Young Generation	Old Generation
Purpose	Allocates new, short-lived objects and is frequently collected (Minor GC).	Stores long-lived objects and is less frequently collected (Full GC).
Structure	Includes Eden Space and Survivor Spaces.	A single contiguous area for long-lived objects.
Garbage Collection	Frequent, quick collections.	Less frequent, more comprehensive collections with potential for compaction.
Characteristics	Handles short-lived objects, reducing overall performance impact.	Manages long-lived objects, which can be more challenging to handle efficiently.

Q. What are the new futures in Java 8?

Java 8 introduced several significant features that enhanced its functionality, particularly in dealing with concurrency and concise code/enabling functional programming. Below is a list of key features introduced in Java 8.

• Lambda Expressions
• Functional Interface
• Default Method’s
• Static Method’s
• Predefined Functional Interfaces
  • Predicate
  • Function
  • Consumer
  • Supplier
• Double Colon Operator(::)
• Method Reference
• Constructor Reference
• Stream API
• Date and Time API
• Optional Class
• Nashorn JavaScript Engine
• forEach() Method in Iterable Interface
• Collection API Improvements
• Concurrency API Improvements
• Base64 Encode & Decode