IBM User Guide for Java V7 on Windows > IBM SDK for Java > The collector and the allocator > How to coexist with the Garbage Collector > Finalizers

Summary and alternative approach

When you understand the characteristics and use of finalizers, consider an alternative approach to tidying Java resources.

Finalizers are an expensive use of computer resources and they are not dependable.

The Java™ service team does not recommend that you use finalizers for process control or for tidying Java resources. In fact, use finalizers as little as possible.

For tidying Java resources, consider the use of a cleanup routine. When you have finished with an object, call the routine to null out all references, deregister listeners, clear out hash tables, and other cleanup operation. Such a routine is far more efficient than using a finalizer and has the useful side-benefit of speeding up garbage collection. The Garbage Collector does not have so many object references to chase in the next garbage collection cycle.

Parent: Finalizers

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