Java using final keyword inside a method

Question

In Java, the keyword final is used to indicate that the variable cannot be reassigned. If that is the case, why can't a variable declared inside a method have the final keyword? Why is this not legal:

public void method()
{ 
  final String x = "name";
}

It could come in handy for long methods.

This is a great example of why you should actually try things before asking questions. — mwengler
– mwengler, Commented May 1, 2012 at 2:46

Jeffrey · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-01 02:06:20Z

3

You can.

public void foo() {
    final String bar = "bar";
}

Will compile just fine.

answered May 1, 2012 at 2:06

Jeffrey

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2 Comments

user166390 Over a year ago

...and behave just as expected. bar = "foo"; on a following line will fail to compile. (final local variables are also accessible in any anonymous inner classes defined in said local scope, which can be handy.)

Victor Over a year ago

Thank you. My mistake to assume otherwise.

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