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Difference between Array and ArrayList
Programmers should strive to effectively manage data as one of their primary responsibilities. There is a wide variety of data structures available to assist programmers in the process of data handling.
The array data structure has been around for a very long time and is one of the most common data structures used to store data. The ease with which array can be implemented is one of the primary reasons for its widespread adoption. This makes it much easier for newcomers to comprehend the data structure.
ArrayList is the name of one of the additional provisions that can be found in the Java collection framework. In this article, we will examine all of the similarities and differences between Array and ArrayList in Java.
What is an Array?
A straightforward data structure with a continuous memory location, an array stores its contents with the same name but distinct index numbers for each element of the array it contains. It is imperative that all of the data stored in an array be of the same type. After an array has been declared, its size cannot be changed.
Syntax
Datatype array_name = new datatype[size of array];
Example
Int Test_Array = new int[100];
What is an ArrayList?
An ArrayList is not the same as a strongly typed collection, which is one of the ways that an array differs from an array. It is a resizable array that can be found in the java.util package. It can store data types that are either similar to one another or distinct from one another. It is possible to decrease or increase both its overall size and its quality dynamically in order to capture values of any size and originating from any data type.
An ArrayList provides a list of values that is uncomplicated and straightforward to put into action. You will find that the ArrayList implements the IList interface, which is compatible with arrays, when you are using it because it is compatible with arrays. It allows you to modify, add, insert, delete, or view the data types that you have entered by giving you the option to do so.
Using the get( ) method in Java, you can access any component of an ArrayList that you have created.
Syntax
ArrayList Object_name=new ArrayList();
Example
ArrayList Test_Arrlst = new ArrayList ( ); Arrlst.Add (“Sam”); Arrlst.Add (“300”); Arrlst.Add (“null”);
Comparison between Array and ArrayList
The following table highlights the major differences between an Array and an ArrayList −
| Basis of Comparison | Array | Array List |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A straightforward data structure with a continuous memory location, an array stores its contents with the same name but distinct index numbers for each element of the array it contains. It is imperative that all of the data stored in an array be of the same type. After an array has been declared, its size cannot be changed. | The Java collection framework contains a data structure known as an ArrayList, which is dynamic in nature. Additionally, it has components that are of the same type. In this case, it is not necessary for us to specify the length of the list. |
| Static/Dynamic | Arrays are static | ArrayList is dynamic |
| Resizable | Fixed Length | Can be Resizable |
| Initialization | When performing initialization for an array, it is required to specify the size of the array. | It is not necessary to mention the size of an ArrayList. |
| Performance | Arrays are faster | ArrayList is slower |
| Generic Type | An array can store primitive data as well as objects, but it cannot store generics. | ArrayList is able to store generics as well as objects, but it cannot store data of primitive types. |
| Iteration | Only loops are permitted in this area. | It is acceptable to use loops and iterators. |
| Type Safety | It is not type-safe. | It is type-safe. |
| Length | Makes use of the length object | Make use of size() function |
| Adding Elements | The additions are done with the assignment operator. | ArrayList uses add() method for performing additions |
| Single/Multi- Dimensional | Single and multiple dimensions are also a possibility. | You are only permitted to use single dimension. |
Conclusion
The fact that arrays are a low-level data structure may lead some people to believe that implementing arrays in a programme can produce results more quickly than doing the same with ArrayLists. However, speed may differ depending on the operation that is being carried out by the programme.
In terms of functionality, an ArrayList has a little advantage over an Array due to the fact that the size of an ArrayList can be dynamically raised or decreased, but the length of an Array is always the same.
Despite the fact that they are different, they are nevertheless comparable in other respects. Each of these data structures in Java are index-based and let you to store objects. Additionally, both of these data structures permit null values and duplicates. If you know the size of the objects ahead of time, you should use an array; however, if you are unsure about the size, you should use the ArrayList instead.
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