As pointed out in this thread: http://gcc.gnu.org/ml/java/2005-11/msg00124.html
Once we have the capability to annotate methods as returning 'not null', we have a win if standard runtime methods are so annotated as appropiate. -- Summary: Standard runtime methods that are known to not return null should not trigger null checks. Product: gcc Version: 4.1.0 Status: UNCONFIRMED Severity: enhancement Priority: P3 Component: java AssignedTo: unassigned at gcc dot gnu dot org ReportedBy: daney at gcc dot gnu dot org BugsThisDependsOn: 20318 http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=24825