![]() Every time you exceed the capacity of the array, the ArrayList copies data over to a new array that is about 50% larger than the previous one. The ArrayList starts with an initial capacity which grows in intervals. Capacity, on the other hand, is the number of elements the underlying array can hold. For every element added to or removed from the list, the size grows and shrinks by one respectively. Size is the number of elements the ArrayList currently holds. ![]() There are two different terms which are important to understand in the context of an ArrayList – size and capacity. To store data that changes frequently, a better alternative container to use would be a LinkedList, for example. Fast access, however, is crucial for most applications which is why ArrayList is the most commonly used collection. Being array-based, it provides fast access but slow element insertion and removal at arbitrary positions as changes to it require reorganizing the entire list. Fast access, however, is crucial for most applications which is why ArrayList is the most commonly used collection.Īs is typical of List implementations, we can have duplicate elements in our ArrayList and we can go from element to element in the same order as they were inserted. Therefore, ArrayList provides fast access but slow element insertion and removal at arbitrary positions as changes to it require reorganizing the entire list. As the name implies, ArrayList is based on an array data structure. As is typical of List implementations, we can have duplicate elements in our ArrayList and we can go from element to element in the same order as they were inserted. ![]() I will finish off by giving you a few practical coding examples that will, for instance, show you how to add and remove elements from an ArrayList.ĪrrayList implements the List interface, which again extends the Collection interface. ![]() After that, I will explain some ArrayList methods, divided by the interface Collection and List to which the methods belong to. I will first explain the meaning of size and capacity of an ArrayList and show you the difference between them. In this article, I will be giving you a basic overview of the Java class ArrayList. This article is part of my free Java 8 course focusing on clean coding principles. Downloads ArrayList in Java (Article) ArrayList in Java (PowerPoint) ArrayList in Java (Keynote) ![]()
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