What does the keyword `this` help to differentiate in Java?

The keyword this in Java is primarily used to refer to the current object of a class. When you have instance variables and local variables that share the same name, using this helps clarify which variable you are referring to. Specifically, when a parameter in a method or a constructor has the same name as an instance variable, this can be used to distinguish the instance variable from the parameter.

For example, in a constructor that initializes instance variables, you might have code like this:

public class Example {

private int value;

public Example(int value) {

this.value = value; // Here, 'this.value' refers to the instance variable,

// while 'value' refers to the parameter.

}

}

In this context, the use of this ensures that the instance variable value is assigned the value of the constructor's parameter value. Hence, it plays a crucial role in differentiating instance variables from local parameters within methods and constructors, making it easier to read and maintain code.