Java interview discussion prompts

Questions to explain

1. How is a primitive value different from an object reference? 2. What is the difference between an instance method and a static method? 3. When would you choose a list rather than a set?

A useful answer structure

Define the concept, give a tiny example and explain one tradeoff. Ask a follow-up question if the problem lacks context.

Try it

Write a two-minute explanation of why a mutable object can be changed through a reference even when the reference variable is final.

Common Mistakes

Check empty inputs and invalid values before applying this operation to application data. State whether a method edits shared state or returns a separate value.