What does the final keyword indicate in Java?

The final keyword in Java serves to indicate that an entity cannot be changed later, which is why the selected answer is appropriate. When applied to a variable, the final keyword signifies that once a value is assigned, it cannot be modified. For instance, if you declare a variable as final and assign a value to it, subsequent attempts to assign a different value will result in a compilation error.

When final is used with a method, it means that the method cannot be overridden in any subclass, preserving the original implementation. Similarly, when final is used with a class, it prevents that class from being subclassed, ensuring that its behavior remains unchanged.

Thus, the use of final encapsulates the idea of immutability for its entities, making them fixed after creation. Understanding this concept is fundamental in Java, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of certain variables, methods, and classes throughout a program.