Mastering Java List Methods: A Beginner's Guide
Table of contents
Introduction:
Java Lists are versatile data structures that allow us to store and manipulate collections of elements. They offer a wide range of methods to add, remove, access, and manipulate elements within the list. In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll explore the 18 most common Java List methods, explaining each one with simple explanations and examples.
1. add(E element):
This method adds the specified element to the end of the list.
Example:
2. addAll(Collection<? extends E> c):
Adds all elements of the specified collection to the end of the list.
Example:
3. remove(Object o):
Removes the first occurrence of the specified element from the list.
Example:
4. remove(int index):
Removes the element at the specified position in the list.
Example:
5. get(int index):
Returns the element at the specified position in the list.
Example:
6. set(int index, E element):
Replaces the element at the specified position in the list with the specified element.
Example:
7. indexOf(Object o):
Returns the index of the first occurrence of the specified element in the list.
Example:
8. contains(Object o): Returns true if the list contains the specified element.
Example:
9. size(): Returns the number of elements in the list.
Example:
10. isEmpty(): Returns true if the list contains no elements.
Example:
11. clear(): Removes all elements from the list.
Example:
12. toArray(): Returns an array containing all the elements in the list.
Example:
13. subList(int fromIndex, int toIndex):
Returns a view of the portion of the list between the specified fromIndex (inclusive) and toIndex (exclusive).
Example:
14. addAll(int index, Collection<? extends E> c):
Inserts all elements of the specified collection into the list, starting at the specified position.
Example:
15. iterator(): Returns an iterator over the elements in the list.
Example:
16. sort(Comparator<? super E> c):
Sorts the elements of the list according to the specified comparator.
Example:
17. replaceAll(UnaryOperator<E> operator):
Replaces each element of the list with the result of applying the given operator.
Example:
18. forEach(Consumer<? super E> action):
Performs the given action for each element of the list until all elements have been processed or the action throws an exception.
Example:
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 18 Java List methods offer a powerful toolkit for manipulating collections of elements with ease and efficiency. Whether you're adding, removing, or iterating through elements, understanding and mastering these methods will elevate your Java programming skills to new heights. So, go ahead, explore, and unleash the full potential of Java Lists in your projects!