Introduction

Arrays are objects that hold a fixed number of values with similar data types. Array gives us a lot of advantages to store multiple elements and use them but it also has a few limitations.

These limitations are overcome by List/ArrayList.

Lists/ArrayLists are very similar to Arrays but they have more freedom and are easier to use. Let’s compare List to Array in Java to understand better:

Array in Java:

Array is a collection of similar data types stored in a contiguous memory location.

The array is a fixed-sized data structure. Its size cannot be changed

We can store only a fixed set of elements in Array whose size is already defined by initialization.

List Interface in Java:

Lists are mutable with the ability to grow and shrink as needed, it also allows fast insertion and deletion. The list is ordered and it allows duplicates.

There are several List Implementation: Vector, ArrayList, LinkedList

ArrayList in Java:

ArrayList implements List Interface.

Holds objects, allows random retrieval and insertion of elements.

Initially gets created with initial capacity, when this gets filled, the list automatically grows.

Difference Between: List and Array in Java

Summary:

Lists are commonly used by many developers now due to their flexibility and on the other hand, an array can’t be resized. Lists have limitations of performance but it is easier to use and less complex.

Nowadays, many applications use ArrayLists over Arrays. It saves time in the development phase.

Do look out for the article below which will explain the various other aspects of the difference between List to Array in Java

Happy Coding!