Difference between final variables and compile time constant

Question

What is the difference between final variables and compile time constants?

Consider the following code

final int a = 5;
final int b;
b=6;
int x=0;
switch         


        

Answer 1

The problem is, that all case: statements must be ultimate at compile time. Your first statement is ultimate. a will for 100% be no other value than 5.

final int a = 5;

However, this is not guaranteed for b. What if there would be an if-statement around b?

final int b;
if(something())
   b=6;
else
   b=5;