Java’s ArrayList is one of the most widely used data structures in the Java Collection Framework (JCF). It provides a dynamic array that can grow and shrink in size, making it more flexible than a standard Java array. In this article, we will explore ArrayLists in detail, covering their creation, methods, advantages, and best practices.
What is an ArrayList?
An ArrayList is a resizable array implementation of the List interface in Java. Unlike traditional arrays, which have a fixed size, an ArrayList automatically adjusts its size when elements are added or removed.
Key Features of ArrayList:
- Dynamic Sizing
- Fast Element Access
- Ordered Elements
- Allows Duplicates
- Allows Null Values
How to Create an ArrayList in Java
To use an ArrayList, you need to import the java.util.ArrayList package. Here’s how you declare and initialize an ArrayList:
import java.util.ArrayList;
public class ArrayListExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Creating an ArrayList of Strings
ArrayList<String> courses= new ArrayList<>();
// Adding elements to the ArrayList
courses.add("Java");
courses.add("Php");
courses.add("Jsp");
// Displaying the ArrayList
System.out.println("Courses: " + courses);
}
}