Return Objects by Value/Reference?

Question

Could someone please tell me which of this methods would be faster:
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;
public class Test {
    public static final int MAX_ITER = 2000000;
    public static void main(String[] args) {
         long begin, end = 0;
         //Return Object by Value
         begin = System.currentTimeMillis();
         List list1 = returnByValue();
         end = System.currentTimeMillis();
         System.out.println(end - begin);
         //Return Object by reference
         begin = System.currentTimeMillis();
         List list2 = new ArrayList();
         returnByRef(list2);
         end = System.currentTimeMillis();
         System.out.println(end - begin);
    public static List returnByValue() {
         List list = new ArrayList();
         for(int i=0; i<MAX_ITER; i++)
              list.add(new Integer(i));
         return list;
    public static void returnByRef(List list) {
         for(int i=0; i<MAX_ITER; i++)
              list.add(new Integer(i));
}From what I understand, returnByValue would be slower as it involves creating a local List, and then returning it by way of copying itself? But surprisingly, both methods take almost identical times to run. Also, please run each method individually one at a time per run, otherwise for some reason, the second method always takes longer if ran simultaneously. Thanks.

Answer 1

Okay, I thought about that, too, because I thought
that your post did sound a bit sarcastic. Your post was most useful. I think s/he's refering to me.
I don't care about my post count. Maybe next time
I'll help people who are more appreciative of my
information, instead of helping you.Actually, I think s/he's most appreciative of your excellent contribution. I believe I'm the problem.
I think that telling people to believe the evidence in front of them is a good service to provide. You ran a test that told you the two were virtually identical. I gave you another viewpoint that said side effect free functions should be preferred, especially in situations like this one. No post count boosting there. That's good information. You just need to be sharp enough to realize it.
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