What is one significant difference between final and static in Java?

The distinction between final and static in Java is best encapsulated by the first option, which states that final indicates a variable cannot be altered, while static pertains to memory allocation. When a variable is declared as final, it cannot be reassigned after its initial assignment; this means that the reference to an object or the value itself cannot change, promoting immutability.

On the other hand, static defines a variable or method that belongs to the class itself rather than to instances of the class. Static variables are shared among all instances of a class, leading to a single copy of the variable being stored in memory, which can be accessed without needing to create an instance of the class.

Understanding these definitions clarifies how final ensures a constant value while static manages class-level data.