Why there is no pointer in Java?

Question

Pointer is one of the important tool in C/C++ programing language. Also, Its very important in program optimization too. But, I read there is no pointer in Java, Why is that ?

Answer 1

Java have a robust security model , and using memory access via pointer it's not really safe.
(plus, you need a lot more memory for in-run time checks)

Answer 2

Pointer arithmetic is unsafe, references are safer - especially during garbage collection - and Java is intended to be portable (architecture differences on pointer sizes).

Here's a nice discussion:
http://stackoverflow.com/a/2629758/3981745

There are exceptions but they break the JVM's mission.