Where are reference variables and objects located in the JVM memory?

In the JVM, objects are placed in a memory area called the heap. Reference variables that point to objects are usually located in each thread's stack.

That is:

• Objects are created and stored in the heap — a common memory area for all threads.
• Reference variables (pointers to objects) are located in the stack, local to each thread, or in the static area if they are static.

This separation allows for efficient memory management and garbage collection.