What are the differences between ArrayList and Vector in Java?

What are the differences between ArrayList and Vector in Java?

ArrayList and Vector are both part of Java's collection framework, but they have some key differences. ArrayList is not synchronized, making it faster for non-threaded applications, while Vector is synchronized, which makes it thread-safe but slower.

Can you explain what synchronization means in this context?

Synchronization in this context refers to the coordination of access to a resource, like a data structure, to prevent concurrent modifications that could lead to inconsistent data. In a synchronized collection like Vector, only one thread can access the data at a time.

Are there any performance implications when using Vector?

Yes, because Vector is synchronized, it can be slower than ArrayList in scenarios where multiple threads are not accessing the collection. If thread safety is not a concern, ArrayList is generally preferred for better performance.

When should I use ArrayList over Vector?

You should use ArrayList when you don't need thread safety and want better performance. It's ideal for single-threaded applications or when you manage synchronization manually.