About Question enthuware.ocajp.i.v7.2.919 :

[admin]

yes, right.

[shambhavi]

thanks !

[Sergey]

Once a method returns all the variables that it created are gone. The stack space (where all the automatic variables are kept) is cleared up and reclaimed. So there is no question of a variable hanging on to an object after the method returns.

based on this explanation (from another question 7.2.921) i should think that object can be garbage collected after "return" statement i.e. after line 4.
Where am i wrong?

[admin]

The variables of this method are indeed gone after the method returns. But in this case the return statement returns the reference to the object to the caller.

[flex567]

Why is answer nr. 5 not a correct option?

[admin]

Because it can be determined the object can never be garbage collected in this method. Option 4 and 5 are contradictory. So, if 4 is correct, 5 cannot be correct.

[flex567]

Had there been no Option 4, The Option 5 would be correct ?

[admin]

In that case, yes.

[ethanaidenies]

Hi,I get your point @inaelrodrigues. Honestly,
I chose the same answer.
For me, after line 3, the references a, b and c point to null, so the object itself is eligible for garbage collection from that point (line 3) and not later.