Is this java Object eligible for garbage collection in List

Question

What I am asking might be a stupid question so please pardon me for that. So it goes like this :

List bossList = new ArrayList();
Bos         


        

Answer 1

The Boss objects will not be collected by the GarbageCollector because they are still referenced in the code block that you are posted. bossList is an ArrayList which has an internal array of Object thus holding references to those objects which are added to it.

I such a situation not only the references by you are considered but all referneces in all objects involved.

EDIT: Since you are returning the List in your code the objects will not be marked for garbage collection until the list is no longer referenced in your program.