turning an ArrayList into an Array

[imorio]

When constructing a list of data, an ArrayList is usefull, but when using that data, an array is more convenient. My question is, what is the best way to turn an arrayList of type1 into an array of type1?

I usually do it like this:

Object[] O=exampleArrayListOfType1.toArray();
type1[] T=new type1[O.length];
for(int i=0; i<O.length; i++)
{
	T[i]=(type1) O[i];
}

However this is an O(n) operation and not very neat. Is there a better way?

[JosAH]

When constructing a list of data, an ArrayList is usefull, but when using that data, an array is more convenient. My question is, what is the best way to turn an arrayList of type1 into an array of type1?

I usually do it like this:

Object[] O=exampleArrayListOfType1.toArray();
type1[] T=new type1[O.length];
for(int i=0; i<O.length; i++)
{
	T[i]=(type1) O[i];
}

However this is an O(n) operation and not very neat. Is there a better way?

There's also a second 'toArray( ... )' method that can do the job for you; note that it is still an O(n) operation but you don't have to do the copying.

kind regards,

Jos

[imorio]

As the ArrayList is backed by an array, it could technicly support an O(1) turning into an array, but destroying the ArrayList in the proces. But I can understand why they didn't implement that.

[JosAH]

As the ArrayList is backed by an array, it could technicly support an O(1) turning into an array, but destroying the ArrayList in the proces. But I can understand why they didn't implement that.

Yup, just imagine what could happen if you change the array contents (shared by the ArrayList). The entire array need not be filled.

kind regards,

Jos