Java ArrayList: Everything You Need to Know

This tutorial will give you a brief insight about ArrayList in Java and its various constructors and methods along with an example. Unlock the power of Java ArrayList! Dive into this comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about ArrayList in Java.

Java ArrayList is a part of the Java collection framework and it is a class of java.util package. It provides us with dynamic arrays in Java. Though, it may be slower than standard arrays but can be helpful in programs where lots of manipulation in the array is needed. This class is found in java.util package. The main advantage of Java ArrayList is, if we declare an array then we need to mention the size, but in ArrayList, it is not needed to mention the size of ArrayList. If you want to mention the size then you can do it.

What is ArrayList in Java?

ArrayList is a Java class implemented using the List interface. Java ArrayList, as the name suggests, provides the functionality of a dynamic array where the size is not fixed as an array. Also, as a part of the Collection framework, it has many features not available with arrays.

Illustration: 

Java ArrayList Example

Example 1: The following implementation demonstrates how to create and use an ArrayList with a mention of its size.

// Java program to demonstrate the
// working of ArrayList
import java.io.*;
import java.util.*;

class ArrayListExample {
	public static void main(String[] args)
	{
		// Size of the
		// ArrayList
		int n = 5;

		// Declaring the ArrayList with
		// initial size n
		ArrayList<Integer> arr1 = new ArrayList<Integer>(n);

		// Declaring the ArrayList
		ArrayList<Integer> arr2 = new ArrayList<Integer>();

		// Printing the ArrayList
		System.out.println("Array 1:" + arr1);
		System.out.println("Array 2:" + arr2);

		// Appending new elements at
		// the end of the list
		for (int i = 1; i <= n; i++) {
			arr1.add(i);
			arr2.add(i);
		}

		// Printing the ArrayList
		System.out.println("Array 1:" + arr1);
		System.out.println("Array 2:" + arr2);
	}
}

OutputArray 1:[] Array 2:[] Array 1:[1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Array 2:[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Explanation of the above Program:

ArrayList is a dynamic array and we do not have to specify the size while creating it, the size of the array automatically increases when we dynamically add and remove items. Though the actual library implementation may be more complex, the following is a very basic idea explaining the working of the array when the array becomes full and if we try to add an item:

• Creates a bigger-sized memory on heap memory (for example memory of double size).
• Copies the current memory elements to the new memory.
• The new item is added now as there is bigger memory available now.
• Delete the old memory.

Important Features of ArrayList in Java

• ArrayList inherits AbstractList class and implements the List interface.
• ArrayList is initialized by size. However, the size is increased automatically if the collection grows or shrinks if the objects are removed from the collection.
• Java ArrayList allows us to randomly access the list.
• ArrayList can not be used for primitive types, like int, char, etc. We need a wrapper class for such cases.
• ArrayList in Java can be seen as a vector in C++.
• ArrayList is not Synchronized. Its equivalent synchronized class in Java is Vector.

Let’s understand the Java ArrayList in depth. Look at the below image:

In the above illustration, AbstractList, CopyOnWriteArrayList, and AbstractSequentialList are the classes that implement the list interface. A separate functionality is implemented in each of the mentioned classes. They are:

1. AbstractList: This class is used to implement an unmodifiable list, for which one needs to only extend this AbstractList Class and implement only the get() and the size() methods.
2. CopyOnWriteArrayList: This class implements the list interface. It is an enhanced version of ArrayList in which all the modifications(add, set, remove, etc.) are implemented by making a fresh copy of the list.
3. AbstractSequentialList: This class implements the Collection interface and the AbstractCollection class. This class is used to implement an unmodifiable list, for which one needs to only extend this AbstractList Class and implement only the get() and the size() methods.

Constructors in ArrayList

In order to create an ArrayList, we need to create an object of the ArrayList class. The ArrayList class consists of various constructors which allow the possible creation of the array list. The following are the constructors available in this class:

1. ArrayList()

This constructor is used to build an empty array list. If we wish to create an empty ArrayList with the name arr, then, it can be created as:

ArrayList arr = new ArrayList(); 

2. ArrayList(Collection c)

This constructor is used to build an array list initialized with the elements from the collection c. Suppose, we wish to create an ArrayList arr which contains the elements present in the collection c, then, it can be created as: 

ArrayList arr = new ArrayList(c);  

3. ArrayList(int capacity)

This constructor is used to build an array list with the initial capacity being specified. Suppose we wish to create an ArrayList with the initial size being N, then, it can be created as:

ArrayList arr = new ArrayList(N);

ArrayList in Java methods

Note: You can also create a generic ArrayList:

// Creating generic integer ArrayList
ArrayList<Integer> arrli = new ArrayList<Integer>();

Some Key Points of ArrayList

1. ArrayList is Underlined data Structure Resizable Array or Growable Array.
2. ArrayList Duplicates Are Allowed.
3. Insertion Order is Preserved.
4. Heterogeneous objects are allowed.
5. Null insertion is possible.

Let’s see how to perform some basic operations on the ArrayList as listed which we are going to discuss further alongside implementing every operation.

• Adding element to List/ Add element
• Changing elements/ Set element
• Removing elements/Delete element 
• Iterating elements   
• get elements
• add elements in between two number
• Sorting elements
• ArrayList size

Operations performed in ArrayList

1. Adding Elements

In order to add an element to an ArrayList, we can use the add() method. This method is overloaded to perform multiple operations based on different parameters. They are as follows:  

• add(Object): This method is used to add an element at the end of the ArrayList.
• add(int index, Object): This method is used to add an element at a specific index in the ArrayList.

Below is the implementation of the above approach:

// Java Program to Add elements to An ArrayList

// Importing all utility classes
import java.util.*;

// Main class
class GFG {

	// Main driver method
	public static void main(String args[])
	{
		// Creating an Array of string type
		ArrayList<String> al = new ArrayList<>();

		// Adding elements to ArrayList
		// Custom inputs
		al.add("Codequs");
		al.add("Codequs");

		// Here we are mentioning the index
		// at which it is to be added
		al.add(1, "For");

		// Printing all the elements in an ArrayList
		System.out.println(al);
	}
}

Output

[Codequs, For, Codequs]

2. Changing Elements

After adding the elements, if we wish to change the element, it can be done using the set() method. Since an ArrayList is indexed, the element which we wish to change is referenced by the index of the element. Therefore, this method takes an index and the updated element which needs to be inserted at that index. 

Below is the implementation of the above approach:

// Java Program to Change elements in ArrayList

// Importing all utility classes
import java.util.*;

// main class
class GFG {

	// Main driver method
	public static void main(String args[])
	{
		// Creating an Arraylist object of string type
		ArrayList<String> al = new ArrayList<>();

		// Adding elements to Arraylist
		// Custom input elements
		al.add("Codequs");
		al.add("Codequs");

		// Adding specifying the index to be added
		al.add(1, "Codequs");

		// Printing the Arraylist elements
		System.out.println("Initial ArrayList " + al);

		// Setting element at 1st index
		al.set(1, "For");

		// Printing the updated Arraylist
		System.out.println("Updated ArrayList " + al);
	}
}

Output

Initial ArrayList [Codequs, Codequs, v]
Updated ArrayList [Codequs, For, Codequs]

3. Removing Elements

In order to remove an element from an ArrayList, we can use the remove() method. This method is overloaded to perform multiple operations based on different parameters. They are as follows: 

• remove(Object): This method is used to simply remove an object from the ArrayList. If there are multiple such objects, then the first occurrence of the object is removed.
• remove(int index): Since an ArrayList is indexed, this method takes an integer value which simply removes the element present at that specific index in the ArrayList. After removing the element, all the elements are moved to the left to fill the space and the indices of the objects are updated.

Example:

// Java program to Remove Elements in ArrayList

// Importing all utility classes
import java.util.*;

// Main class
class GFG {

	// Main driver method
	public static void main(String args[])
	{
		// Creating an object of arraylist class
		ArrayList<String> al = new ArrayList<>();

		// Adding elements to ArrayList
		// Custom addition
		al.add("Codequs");
		al.add("Codequs");
		// Adding element at specific index
		al.add(1, "For");

		// Printing all elements of ArrayList
		System.out.println("Initial ArrayList " + al);

		// Removing element from above ArrayList
		al.remove(1);

		// Printing the updated Arraylist elements
		System.out.println("After the Index Removal " + al);

		// Removing this word element in ArrayList
		al.remove("Codequs");

		// Now printing updated ArrayList
		System.out.println("After the Object Removal "
						+ al);
	}
}

Output

Initial ArrayList [Codequs, For, Codequs]
After the Index Removal [Codequs, Codequs]
After the Object Removal [Codequs]

4. Iterating the ArrayList

There are multiple ways to iterate through the ArrayList. The most famous ways are by using the basic for loop in combination with a get() method to get the element at a specific index and the advanced for a loop. 

Example

// Java program to Iterate the elements
// in an ArrayList

// Importing all utility classes
import java.util.*;

// Main class
class GFG {

	// Main driver method
	public static void main(String args[])
	{
		// Creating an Arraylist of string type
		ArrayList<String> al = new ArrayList<>();

		// Adding elements to ArrayList
		// using standard add() method
		al.add("Codequs");
		al.add("Codequs");
		al.add(1, "For");

		// Using the Get method and the
		// for loop
		for (int i = 0; i < al.size(); i++) {

			System.out.print(al.get(i) + " ");
		}

		System.out.println();

		// Using the for each loop
		for (String str : al)
			System.out.print(str + " ");
	}
}

Output

Codequs For Codequs
Codequs For Codequs

5. Get Elements

// Java program to get the elemens in ArrayList
import java.io.*;
import java.util.*;

class GFG {
	public static void main (String[] args) {
	ArrayList<Integer> list = new ArrayList();
	// add the number 
	list.add(9);
	list.add(5);
	list.add(6);
	System.out.println(list);
	// get method
	Integer n= list.get(1);
	System.out.println("at indext 1 number is:"+n);
	}
}

Output

[9, 5, 6]
at indext 1 number is:5

6. Add Elements Between Two Numbers

// Java program to add the elements 
// between two numbers in ArrayList
import java.io.*;
import java.util.*;
class GFG {
	public static void main(String[] args)
	{
		ArrayList<Integer> list = new ArrayList();
		list.add(1);
		list.add(2);
		list.add(4);
		System.out.println(list);
		// insert missing element 3
		list.add(2, 3);
		System.out.println(list);
	}
}

Output

[1, 2, 4]
[1, 2, 3, 4]

7. ArrayList Sort

// Java Program for ArrayList Sorting
import java.io.*;
import java.util.*;

class GFG {
	public static void main(String[] args)
	{
		ArrayList<Integer> list = new ArrayList();
		list.add(2);
		list.add(4);
		list.add(3);
		list.add(1);
		System.out.println("Before sorting list:");
		System.out.println(list);
		Collections.sort(list);
		System.out.println("after sorting list:");
		System.out.println(list);
	}
}

Output

Before sorting list:
[2, 4, 3, 1]
after sorting list:
[1, 2, 3, 4]

8. Size of Elements

// Java program to find the size 
// of elements of an ArrayList
import java.io.*;
import java.util.*;
class GFG {
	public static void main(String[] args)
	{
		ArrayList<Integer> list = new ArrayList();

		list.add(1);
		list.add(2);
		list.add(3);
		list.add(4);
		int b = list.size();
		System.out.println("The size is :" + b);
	}
}

Output

The size is :4

Complexity of Java ArrayList

ArrayList in Java is a class in the Java Collection framework that implements the List interface. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using ArrayList in Java.

Advantages of Java ArrayList

1. Dynamic size: ArrayList can dynamically grow and shrink in size, making it easy to add or remove elements as needed.
2. Easy to use: ArrayList is simple to use, making it a popular choice for many Java developers.
3. Fast access: ArrayList provides fast access to elements, as it is implemented as an array under the hood.
4. Ordered collection: ArrayList preserves the order of elements, allowing you to access elements in the order they were added.
5. Supports null values: ArrayList can store null values, making it useful in cases where the absence of a value needs to be represented.

Disadvantages of Java ArrayList

1. Slower than arrays: ArrayList is slower than arrays for certain operations, such as inserting elements in the middle of the list.
2. Increased memory usage: ArrayList requires more memory than arrays, as it needs to maintain its dynamic size and handle resizing.
3. Not thread-safe: ArrayList is not thread-safe, meaning that multiple threads may access and modify the list concurrently, leading to potential race conditions and data corruption.
4. Performance degradation: ArrayList’s performance may degrade as the number of elements in the list increases, especially for operations such as searching for elements or inserting elements in the middle of the list.

Conclusion

Points to be remembered from this article are mentioned below:

• ArrayList is the part of Collection framework. It inherits the AbstractList class and implements the List interface.
• ArrayList is the implementation of a dynamic array.
• ArrayList can be initialized used using different constructor types like without parameters, passing collection as a parameter, and passing integer as a parameter.
• Operations can be performed in ArrayList as follows Adding, removing, iterating, and sorting.

Java ArrayList

In Java, we use the ArrayList class to implement the functionality of resizable-arrays.

It implements the List interface of the collections framework.

Java ArrayList Vs Array

In Java, we need to declare the size of an array before we can use it. Once the size of an array is declared, it's hard to change it.

To handle this issue, we can use the ArrayList class. It allows us to create resizable arrays.

Unlike arrays, arraylists can automatically adjust their capacity when we add or remove elements from them. Hence, arraylists are also known as dynamic arrays.

Creating an ArrayList

Before using ArrayList, we need to import the java.util.ArrayList package first. Here is how we can create arraylists in Java:

ArrayList<Type> arrayList= new ArrayList<>();

Here, Type indicates the type of an arraylist. For example,

// create Integer type arraylist
ArrayList<Integer> arrayList = new ArrayList<>();

// create String type arraylist
ArrayList<String> arrayList = new ArrayList<>();

In the above program, we have used Integer not int. It is because we cannot use primitive types while creating an arraylist. Instead, we have to use the corresponding wrapper classes.

Here, Integer is the corresponding wrapper class of int. 

Example: Create ArrayList in Java

import java.util.ArrayList;

class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args){

    // create ArrayList
    ArrayList<String> languages = new ArrayList<>();

    // Add elements to ArrayList
    languages.add("Java");
    languages.add("Python");
    languages.add("Swift");
    System.out.println("ArrayList: " + languages);
  }
}

Output

ArrayList: [Java, Python, Swift]

In the above example, we have created an ArrayList named languages.

Here, we have used the add() method to add elements to the arraylist. We will learn more about the add() method later in this tutorial.

Basic Operations on ArrayList

The ArrayList class provides various methods to perform different operations on arraylists. We will look at some commonly used arraylist operations in this tutorial:

• Add elements
• Access elements
• Change elements
• Remove elements

1. Add Elements to an ArrayList

To add a single element to the arraylist, we use the add() method of the ArrayList class. For example,

import java.util.ArrayList;

class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args){
    // create ArrayList
    ArrayList<String> languages = new ArrayList<>();

    // add() method without the index parameter
    languages.add("Java");
    languages.add("C");
    languages.add("Python");
    System.out.println("ArrayList: " + languages);
  }
}

Output

ArrayList: [Java, C, Python]

In the above example, we have created an ArrayList named languages. Here, we have used the add() method to add elements to languages.

2. Access ArrayList Elements

To access an element from the arraylist, we use the get() method of the ArrayList class. For example,

import java.util.ArrayList;

class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    ArrayList<String> animals = new ArrayList<>();

    // add elements in the arraylist
    animals.add("Cat");
    animals.add("Dog");
    animals.add("Cow");
    System.out.println("ArrayList: " + animals);

    // get the element from the arraylist
    String str = animals.get(1);
    System.out.print("Element at index 1: " + str);
  }
}

Output

ArrayList: [Cat, Dog, Cow]
Element at index 1: Dog

In the above example, we have used the get() method with parameter 1. Here, the method returns the element at index 1.

3. Change ArrayList Elements

To change elements of the arraylist, we use the set() method of the ArrayList class. For example,

import java.util.ArrayList;

class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    ArrayList<String> languages = new ArrayList<>();

    // add elements in the array list
    languages.add("Java");
    languages.add("Kotlin");
    languages.add("C++");
    System.out.println("ArrayList: " + languages);

    // change the element of the array list
    languages.set(2, "JavaScript");
    System.out.println("Modified ArrayList: " + languages);
  }
}

Output

ArrayList: [Java, Kotlin, C++] Modified ArrayList: [Java, Kotlin, JavaScript]

In the above example, we have created an ArrayList named languages. Notice the line,

language.set(2, "JavaScript");

Here, the set() method changes the element at index 2 to JavaScript.

4. Remove ArrayList Elements

To remove an element from the arraylist, we can use the remove() method of the ArrayList class. For example,

import java.util.ArrayList;

class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    ArrayList<String> animals = new ArrayList<>();

    // add elements in the array list
    animals.add("Dog");
    animals.add("Cat");
    animals.add("Horse");
    System.out.println("ArrayList: " + animals);

    // remove element from index 2
    String str = animals.remove(2);
    System.out.println("Updated ArrayList: " + animals);
    System.out.println("Removed Element: " + str);
  }
}

Output

ArrayList: [Dog, Cat, Horse]
Updated ArrayList: [Dog, Cat]
Removed Element: Horse

Here, the remove() method takes the index number as the parameter. And, removes the element specified by the index number.

Methods of ArrayList Class

In the previous section, we have learned about the add(), get(), set(), and remove() method of the ArrayList class.

Besides those basic methods, here are some more ArrayList methods that are commonly used.

Iterate through an ArrayList

We can use the Java for-each loop to loop through each element of the arraylist. For example,

import java.util.ArrayList;

class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {

    // creating an array list
    ArrayList<String> animals = new ArrayList<>();
    animals.add("Cow");
    animals.add("Cat");
    animals.add("Dog");
    System.out.println("ArrayList: " + animals);

    // iterate using for-each loop
    System.out.println("Accessing individual elements:  ");

    for (String language : animals) {
      System.out.print(language);
      System.out.print(", ");
    }
  }
}

Output

ArrayList: [Cow, Cat, Dog]
Accessing individual elements:  
Cow, Cat, Dog,

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