final vs finally vs finalize in Java

final, finally, and finalize() are three unrelated Java keywords that share a common prefix — final is a type modifier, finally is a try-catch control-flow block, and finalize() was a deprecated lifecycle callback on Object. They appear together in interviews specifically because their similar names invite confusion.

final:

• Prevents reassignment for variables, overriding for methods, subclassing for classes
• Freezes the reference, not the object — a final List can still have elements added; you just can't point the variable at a different list
• String and Integer are final for immutability and thread safety

finally:

• Runs after try/catch no matter what — success, exception, or even a return statement
• Only System.exit() or a JVM crash skips it
• In modern code, try-with-resources handles most cleanup; use finally for non-AutoCloseable resources

finalize():

• Was a GC callback on Object that might run before an object is reclaimed
• Timing was completely unpredictable — seconds, minutes, or never; deprecated in Java 9
• The replacement is Cleaner with PhantomReference

I recommend using final liberally for safety, try-with-resources instead of finally whenever possible, and never touching finalize().