Answer
Primitive: Stores actual value (int, boolean, etc.).
Reference: Stores memory address of objects (arrays, strings, objects).
Reference: Stores memory address of objects (arrays, strings, objects).
Quick Answer
Primitive types (int, double, boolean, char, byte, short, long, float) store values directly in memory - fast, no object overhead. Reference types (String, arrays, objects) store a reference (memory address) to an object on the heap. Primitives can't be null; reference types can. Primitives are passed by value; object references are also passed by value (the reference, not the object).
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ