This can help you build a better perspective on the Array vs Arraylist in java debate and provide you with an insightful understanding of the proper use of each of them. It would be a subjective decision based on the requirements of a problem.įollowing are 10 points discussing the features offered by an Array and ArrayList and the differences between them. The answer cannot be simple as both offer some unique features for java developers. This basic difference has given birth to the debate of Array vs Arraylist in Java and which one is more efficient than the other. The main difference between Array and ArrayList in Java is their nature, Array has a static nature whereas ArrayList is dynamic. Which one to choose?ĭespite the know differences, The Array vs ArrayList quandary is quite common among new java developers. Being part of core Java programming, java provides special syntax and semantics support for extended control over Arrays than Arraylist. Despite some limitations, Array still holds its grounds. ArrayList class has constructors that create an array with its initial capacity by default but the capacity of the object of class ArrayList increases automatically when more elements are added to that array. Hence, the Collection framework was introduced in the ArrayList class to solve this problem. But, in certain scenarios, you may not know what length of the array you will be needing until the run time. In Java, the standard arrays have a fixed length, so you already know the size of the array from the start.