Traversing an Array in Java
Traversing an array means accessing each element of the array one by one. This is typically
done using loops such as for, while, and foreach loops. Traversing is essential for performing
operations like searching, modifying, or displaying array elements.
1. Using a for Loop to Traverse an Array
A for loop is one of the most common ways to iterate through an array using an index-based
approach.
Example: Traversing an Array Using a for Loop
public class ForLoopTraversal {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int[] numbers = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
// Using a for loop to traverse the array
for (int i = 0; i < numbers.length; i++) {
System.out.println("Element at index " + i + ": " + numbers[i]);
}
}
}
Output:
Element at index 0: 10
Element at index 1: 20
Element at index 2: 30
Element at index 3: 40
Element at index 4: 50
2. Using a while Loop to Traverse an Array
A while loop can also be used when the number of iterations is not explicitly known or when
using external conditions.
Example: Traversing an Array Using a while Loop
public class WhileLoopTraversal {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int[] numbers = {5, 15, 25, 35, 45};
int i = 0;
while (i < numbers.length) {
System.out.println("Element at index " + i + ": " + numbers[i]);
i++;
}
}
}
Output:
Element at index 0: 5
Element at index 1: 15
Element at index 2: 25
Element at index 3: 35
Element at index 4: 45
3. Using an Enhanced for Loop (Foreach) to Traverse an
Array
The enhanced for loop (also called the foreach loop) simplifies array traversal by automatically
iterating through all elements without using an index.
Example: Traversing an Array Using an Enhanced for Loop
public class ForeachTraversal {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int[] numbers = {100, 200, 300, 400, 500};
for (int num : numbers) {
System.out.println("Element: " + num);
}
}
}
Output:
Element: 100
Element: 200
Element: 300
Element: 400
Element: 500
4. Printing Elements of an Array Using Arrays.toString()
Instead of using loops, you can use Arrays.toString() to print an entire array in a single line.
Example:
import java.util.Arrays;
public class PrintArray {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int[] numbers = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
System.out.println(Arrays.toString(numbers));
}
}
Output:
[10, 20, 30, 40, 50]
Summary of Traversing Methods
Traversing Method Description Example Code
Uses an index to
For Loop for (int i = 0; i < arr.length; i++)
traverse elements
Iterates based on a
While Loop while (i < arr.length) {}
condition
Enhanced For Loop Iterates without for (int num : arr) {}
(Foreach) using an index
Prints array as a
Arrays.toString() System.out.println(Arrays.toString(arr));
string
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