Java Collection Framework Tutorials with Examples

The Java collection framework has made quite the name for itself as an efficient storing and processing unit for data. It has a wide range of collections where different interfaces and classes are blended. This framework makes the task of any programmer much easier compared to other options around the internet. If your application cannot extract and gather data while simultaneously completing its other tasks, your software might not receive the audience it was supposed to. Filtering out helpful information and shutting off the needless ones is one of the primary tasks of such frameworks in practice. Moreover, this framework designed by Java helps restructure all data modules by stringing them together in one place.

Definition of framework

A framework can be defined as a combination of classes and interfaces for dishing out a ready-out architecture to process data. With the help of a well-designed framework like the Java collection framework, programmers can restructure large data sets effectively and efficiently.

Requirement of Java collection framework

Before the Java collection framework was brought into the picture, data structuring was only partially possible due to its complex nature. A standard interface was required for such tasks as a lot of diversity is found while the data structuring process occurs. The programmers who wrote algorithms had to write different sets of them depending upon the data on which they worked. Because of such reasons, a call for a standard interface was made so that this type of task could be completed efficiently without much requirement of manual tasking. This Java collection framework has fulfilled this dream of programmers by supplying them with a standard interface for completing such tasks accurately in time.

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Benefits of Java collection framework

Now that you have understood a little about the Java collection framework. It might be time for you to get into its detailed understanding by knowing about its benefits, which programmers could enjoy dexterously using this platform.

1), Use of consistent APIs

Regarding API, there are different sets of interfaces like collection, set, and list that are modified together in one place. Even more so, the classes like array list, linked list, and vector also find their places in the Java collection framework to ensure everything operates smoothly.

2), Reduced programmer workload

There are many tasks that a programmer needs to handle to ensure the platform they are developing keeps on functioning smoothly without any halt in operations. Therefore, if they need to design and handle the coding, they might need to do their work more efficiently because of the extreme workload. However, such experiences are made simpler with the help of the Java collection framework, as it ensures programmers work hard but under a given limit.

3), Reusable methods

Unlike the Java collection framework, the class and interface methods provided to the users can be used as many times depending on their requirements. The other present platforms don’t offer similar features, as the developer might need the key to use all internal features because of the limit imposed on them.

4), Excellent quality

Every developer designing a platform always looks for the best framework available. If the best one is not used for such purposes, it might result in quality issues being developed from all customer’s perspectives. That is why the Java collection framework is an ideal choice because it is a proven program quality enhancer where every bit is tested regularly by other developers.

5), Boost in overall speed

If the program you are looking to develop doesn’t function quickly and accurately, it might not be helpful to the programmers. There are many things that a programmer needs to handle within its day-to-day operations. Therefore, this Java application framework is ideal as it helps programmers efficiently complete their algorithms and restructure data within a few hours. Moreover, speed is one of the unique attributes of the Java collection framework, as it improves its receptivity among the public eye.

A detailed overview of the Java collection framework

The Java collection framework has everything you can ever ask from a popular platform to help programmers complete their tasks enchantingly. It has an interface and class, further divided into several parts that will be discussed later in this article, and many more similar things.

Class 

The class can be easily defined as a user-defined blueprint or, in several instances, as a prototype depending upon the object from which it had been developed. Moreover, this class functionality ensures all the objects and their specific types remain the same to maintain a balance of common juncture between all the other objects.

Interface

Although an interface and class are used interchangeably, they are still different from one another. It is the interface that defines how a class should perform and the things it shouldn’t. Therefore, taking examples from several cases, an interface is better known as a blueprint of a class in the Java collection framework.

Different types of Java collection interfaces

When it comes to the Java collection framework, you might find many different interfaces present in it, which you need proper knowledge about. All such interfaces are specifically designed to handle different sets of data depending on how they are programmed.

Iterable interface

If you were looking for the most crucial interface present used in the entire Java collection framework, then the iterable interface might be the name of it. Most of the work related to classes and different interfaces in the Java framework is initiated from this interface category. Only one abstract method can be used when it comes to an iterable interface, making it simpler to use than other options.

Collection interface

Now, if it comes to popularity, then the collection interface is the one that gets implemented across the majority of servers because it is a notch higher than the iterable interface. The developers can use every bit of the Java data collection framework method when choosing to use this collection interface. Using this interface, you can easily add, remove or clear any part of your data that isn’t needed by your server effectively. This interface you implement might be independent of the class you want to use alongside it. Hence, this interface type is preferred over its other parts.

List interface

There is also the list interface, mainly known as the sub-category or child version of the collection interface that has already been discussed above. Different classes like array list, vector, and stack are some of the few mostly found using a list interface. All the data in the Java collection framework are inherently present in this interface, making it easier for programmers to work with it.

Queue interface

As the name suggests, the queue interface in the Java collection framework works quite similarly to real-life queue operations. This interface follows a FIFO method where the first in, first out mechanism is followed. For instance, if the order of the elements is not arranged in their required manner, then the Queue interface is the ideal choice. To help you understand more about this interface, you can take the example of ticket bookings, where the person who purchases the ticket first is given the ticket before everyone else. Hence, if you want to complete a similar thing using your Java collection framework, then the queue interface might be it for you.

Sorted set interface

If you are looking for something that offers more choices or methods when assembling all the elements, then a sorted set interface is the perfect choice. This sorted set interface is quite similar to the set interface, where the data is extended slightly further than previously. Moreover, there is also a class used in this interface known as a tree set that makes its usage simpler than developers predicted.

Map interface

The map interface in the Java collection framework is mainly used for its mapping abilities, through which it can identify data sets more quickly than other sets of interfaces. However, while using this interface, you might not have a chance to use its data duplication feature as different sets work differently. This map interface will only be any use to the developers if they wish to use it on the key that is in their possession. Tree set and hash map are the classes implemented in the map interface for developers to use in their program-building operations.

Conclusion

After reading this article, hopefully, you have understood how more straightforward your programmer work could be using the Java collection framework. Moreover, the implementation of the Java collection framework is easy compared to the other frameworks that are present on the internet.

Additionally, you wouldn’t even have to pay any extra money for it using its services as everything can be done by the skill set you possess. The classes and interfaces hold a massive role that has made the Java collection framework one of the most touted things in recent times, mainly among programmers. Furthermore, many businesses are also choosing to implement such platforms into their daily operations to take some pressure off their hard-working programmers.

Author Bio:

Sai Priya Ravuri is a Digital Marketer, and a passionate writer, who is working with MindMajix, a top global online training provider. She also holds in-depth knowledge of IT and demanding technologies such as Business Intelligence, Machine Learning, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Cybersecurity, Software Testing, QA, Data analytics, Project Management and ERP tools, etc.