What is a CopyOnWriteArrayList?

Can you explain what a CopyOnWriteArrayList is?

Sure! A CopyOnWriteArrayList is a thread-safe variant of ArrayList in Java. It allows safe iteration while modifying the list.

How does it achieve thread safety?

It achieves thread safety by creating a fresh copy of the underlying array whenever a write operation occurs, ensuring that readers see a consistent view.

When should I use CopyOnWriteArrayList?

You should use it when you have more reads than writes, as it can be inefficient for write-heavy scenarios due to the copying overhead.

Are there any performance drawbacks?

Yes, the main drawback is that write operations can be costly because they involve copying the entire array, which can impact performance.