Does it help GC to null local variables in Java

Question

I was \'forced\' to add myLocalVar = null; statement into finally clause just before leaving method. Reason is to help GC. I was told I will get SMS\'s during n

Answer 1

As you correctly point out, nulling out in this case is totally pointless.

Back on JDK1.3 I did actually have a case with an extremely large object graph that also contained lots of circular references within the graph. Clearing out a few of the references did actually improve GC times quite noticeably.

I am not sure if this would apply with a modern VM. Garbage collectors have become increasingly smarter.