8.2-2_Accessing the this Reference

Question 1

What happens when a method parameter has the same name as an existing instance variable?

Answer 1

Java uses the narrowest/most granular scope it can

Question 2

What does the ‘this’ keyword means?

Answer 2

It refers to the current instance of the class and can be used to access any member of the class.
✅ It can be used in any instance method, constructor, and instance initializer block. 
❌ It cannot be used when there is no implicit instance of the class, such as in a static method or static initializer block.

Question 3

What are the most common ‘this’ reference/keyword pitfalls?

Answer 3

• > Be aware of backwards assignment. color = this.color;
• > Notice that when there is no naming collision, ‘this’ keyword is not required.
• > Variable assignment is allowed to use this even when there is no duplication of variable names.