Q 33 - this keyword

[AmjustGettingStarted]

What is the use of this keyword?

[HARSHITH-MV]

🎯 Uses of this in Java

Here’s where this really shines:

1. Referencing Instance Variables

If a method has parameters with the same name as instance variables, this clears up the confusion.

class Student {
    int age;
    Student(int age) {
        this.age = age; // 'this.age' refers to the instance variable
    }
}

2. Calling Other Constructors

Used to call another constructor in the same class.

class Book {
    String title;
    int pages;
    Book(String title) {
        this(title, 0); // Calls the second constructor
    }
    Book(String title, int pages) {
        this.title = title;
        this.pages = pages;
    }
}

3. Passing Current Object

You can pass the current object as an argument to another method or constructor.

someMethod(this); // Passes current object reference

4. Returning Current Object

Useful in method chaining.

class Builder {
    Builder setValue(String value) {
        this.value = value;
        return this;
    }
}

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💡 In a nutshell:

this reminds Java which object it’s working with when things get a little ambiguous.