Question

I was wondering if there was an equivalent to c++’s const in Java. I understand the final keyword, but unfortunately I cannot use that to declare a functions return value final. Instead, it always ensures the function cannot be overridden, correct?

Basically, I want to make sure a given returned class cannot be modified and is read only. Is that possible in Java?

Answer 1

Basically, I want to make sure a given returned class cannot be
modified and is read only. Is that possible in Java?

Not directly, but one workaround is an immutable object.

Example –

public final Foo {
    
    private final String s;
    
    public Foo(String s){
        this.s = s;
    }
    
    // Only provide an accessor!
    public String getString(){
        return s;
    }
}