Additional Notes
How would you explain a pitfall of returning mutable objects from immutable classes in an interview?
Track: Java
Topic: OOP
Focus: Immutability Basics
Java: Immutability Basics
Answer
It breaks immutability by allowing external modification.
Returning a mutable object from an immutable class exposes internal state to changes, violating immutability. Always return copies or unmodifiable views. For instance, returning a mutable list from a customer's order history could lead to unexpected modifications.
Returning a mutable object from an immutable class exposes internal state to changes, violating immutability. Always return copies or unmodifiable views. For instance, returning a mutable list from a customer's order history could lead to unexpected modifications.
Topics: Immutability Basics Java OOP