Can we assume default array values in Java? for example, assume that an int array is set to all zeros?

Java Language Specification is the right place to look for such information:

Array components are unnamed variables that are created and initialized to default values (ยง4.12.5) whenever a new object that is an array is created

Default values themselves are given in section 4.12.5.

  • For type byte, the default value is zero, that is, the value of (byte)0.
  • For type short, the default value is zero, that is, the value of (short)0.
  • For type int, the default value is zero, that is, 0.
  • For type long, the default value is zero, that is, 0L.
  • For type float, the default value is positive zero, that is, 0.0f.
  • For type double, the default value is positive zero, that is, 0.0d.
  • For type char, the default value is the null character, that is, ‘\u0000’.
  • For type boolean, the default value is false.
  • For all reference types, the default value is null.

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