What are some common mistakes to avoid when using Java collections?

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using Java collections?

Some common mistakes include using the wrong collection type, not understanding the differences between List, Set, and Map, and failing to handle null values properly.

Can you explain the difference between List and Set?

Sure! A List allows duplicate elements and maintains the order of insertion, while a Set does not allow duplicates and does not guarantee any specific order.

What about performance issues with collections?

Performance issues can arise from using the wrong collection type for your needs. For example, using an ArrayList for frequent insertions and deletions can lead to poor performance compared to a LinkedList.

How can I avoid null pointer exceptions with collections?

To avoid null pointer exceptions, always check for null before accessing elements in a collection, and consider using Optional to handle potential null values.