The finalize( ) method

• The finalize() method can be defined to be called before an object is destroyed by the garbage collector.

• finalize() ensures that an object is completely eliminated, like closing an open file.

• To add a finalizer, define the finalize() method in the class.

• The Java Runtime calls finalize() before recycling an object of the class.

• General form of the method:
  protected void finalize( )
  {
  // part where the completion code goes
  }

• The protected keyword limits access to finalize().

• finalize() is called before garbage collection, not when an object goes out of scope.

• It is not guaranteed when, or if, finalize() will be executed.

• If the program terminates before garbage collection, finalize() will not be executed.

• finalize() should be used as a fallback procedure for appropriate handling of special resources or applications.

• finalize() is a specialized method and is rarely needed in most programs.