What are some use cases for ArrayList in Java?

What are some use cases for ArrayList in Java?

ArrayList in Java is commonly used for dynamic arrays, where the size can change. Some use cases include:

1. Storing a list of items where the number of items can vary.
2. Implementing a stack or queue data structure.
3. Managing collections of objects, like user profiles or product listings.

Can you give me an example of how to use ArrayList in a program?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

import java.util.ArrayList;

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        ArrayList<String> fruits = new ArrayList<>();
        fruits.add("Apple");
        fruits.add("Banana");
        fruits.add("Cherry");

        for (String fruit : fruits) {
            System.out.println(fruit);
        }
    }
}

This program creates an ArrayList of fruits and prints each fruit.

What are the advantages of using ArrayList over arrays?

ArrayLists offer several advantages over traditional arrays:

1. Dynamic sizing: ArrayLists can grow and shrink as needed.
2. Built-in methods: They provide methods for adding, removing, and searching for elements.
3. Type safety: With generics, you can specify the type of elements, reducing runtime errors.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, there are a few performance considerations:

1. ArrayLists have a higher overhead for memory due to dynamic resizing.
2. Inserting or removing elements can be slower than arrays, especially if done frequently, as it may require shifting elements.