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Java Collections Framework Detailed Guide

The Java Collections Framework (JCF) is a set of classes and interfaces for reusable collection data structures such as List, Set, Queue, and Map, providing algorithms and support for generics. Key implementations include ArrayList, LinkedList, HashSet, and HashMap, each with specific performance characteristics and use cases. It also addresses thread safety and offers utility classes for enhanced functionality.

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3 views2 pages

Java Collections Framework Detailed Guide

The Java Collections Framework (JCF) is a set of classes and interfaces for reusable collection data structures such as List, Set, Queue, and Map, providing algorithms and support for generics. Key implementations include ArrayList, LinkedList, HashSet, and HashMap, each with specific performance characteristics and use cases. It also addresses thread safety and offers utility classes for enhanced functionality.

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noneedd78
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Java Collections Framework - Detailed Guide

1. What is Java Collections Framework (JCF)?


JCF is a set of classes and interfaces in java.util that implement commonly reusable collection data structures like List,
Set, Queue, and Map. It provides algorithms, synchronization wrappers, and support for generics.

2. Core Interfaces and Their Characteristics


List - Ordered, allows duplicates. Examples: ArrayList, LinkedList
Set - Unordered, no duplicates. Examples: HashSet, TreeSet
Queue - FIFO behavior. Examples: PriorityQueue, ArrayDeque
Deque - Double-ended queue. Example: ArrayDeque
Map - Key-value pairs (not part of Collection). Examples: HashMap, TreeMap

3. Key Implementations
ArrayList - Resizable array, fast random access.
LinkedList - Doubly-linked list, fast insert/delete.
HashSet - Backed by HashMap, no order.
LinkedHashSet - Maintains insertion order.
TreeSet - Sorted using Red-Black tree.
HashMap - Unordered, allows one null key.
LinkedHashMap - Maintains insertion order.
TreeMap - Sorted map, no null keys.

4. Performance and Usage Tips


- Use ArrayList for index-based access.
- Use LinkedList for frequent insertions/removals.
- Use HashSet/HashMap for fast lookup.
- Use TreeSet/TreeMap for sorted elements.
- Pre-size collections to avoid resizing/rehashing.

5. Thread Safety
- Legacy synchronized classes: Vector, Hashtable.
- Modern: Collections.synchronizedList(), ConcurrentHashMap, CopyOnWriteArrayList.
- Fail-fast vs Fail-safe iterators.

6. Generics and Utility Classes


- Generics enforce type safety (e.g., List<String>).
- Collections class: sort(), reverse(), shuffle(), etc.
- Arrays class: asList(), sort(), binarySearch().

7. Real-World Use Cases


Shopping cart - ArrayList<Product>
Unique usernames - HashSet<String>
Database cache - HashMap<String, User>
Task scheduler - PriorityQueue<Task>

8. Summary
List: Ordered, allows duplicates.
Set: Unordered, no duplicates.
Java Collections Framework - Detailed Guide

Queue: FIFO, some allow priority ordering.


Map: Key-value structure, unique keys.
Use appropriate collection for optimal performance.

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