Java Arrays, Objects, Methods

CS 161 - Java

Arrays Can Be Made of Any Type or Class

"Declaring a variable of array type does not create an array object or allocate any space for array components. It creates only the variable itself, which can contain a reference to an array."

from: Java Language Specification, Gosling, Joy, and Steel, 1996

Arrays are created (instantiated) with new, just like other objects.
Once an array is created, its length never changes.
Question: Any idea why?

Examples

int[] intArray = new int[4]; // elements initially set to 0

CreditCard cards[] = new CreditCard[MAXCARDS];
                  // elements initially set to null
                  // notice the [] can be placed with the field name
                  // or the type; though the latter is "better"

Tip: If you need a colllection's size to change consider using java.util.Vector or another collection class instead of arrays

jwd