title: When should one use final for method parameters and local variables?
body: <p>I've found a couple of references (<a href="http://www.javapractices.com/topic/TopicAction.do?Id=23" rel="noreferrer">for example</a>) that suggest using <code>final</code> as much as possible and I'm wondering how important that is. This is mainly in the the context of method parameters and local variables, not final methods or classes. For constants, it makes obvious sense.</p>
  
  <p>On one hand, the compiler can make some optimizations and it makes the programmer's intent clearer. On the other hand, it adds verbosity and the optimizations may be trivial.</p>
  
  <p>Is it something I should make an effort to remember?</p>