Equivalent of const(C++) in Java

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;     } }