What is the difference between `anInstance.javaClass` and `anInstance::class.java`?

# getting-started

[Jonathan Olsson]

What is the difference between anInstance.javaClass and anInstance::class.java?

[Sam]

Not much. I think this SO post covers the key points: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/46674787/instanceclass-java-vs-instance-javaclass

[Jonathan Olsson]

I take it then that ::class.java is preferred over javaClass?

[Sam]

I would say yes 👍 the return type is more correct and the meaning is less likely to be ambiguous or unexpected