What is the difference between `String.intern()` and a regular String literal?

Question

Java Associate — Hard

What is the difference between `String.intern()` and a regular String literal?

Accepted Answer

The key difference between `String.intern()` and regular String literals is that intern() ensures the String is stored in the String pool and returns the canonical reference. While string literals are automatically interned, objects created with new are not unless intern() is called.