In this post, we will learn the difference between LinkedList and Array in Java. This is a frequently asked question in Java interviews for beginners. Let's dive into it.
LinkedList | Array |
---|---|
A LinkedList is a dynamic data structure, which means it can grow or shrink during the execution of a program. | An Array is a static data structure, which means its size is fixed at the time of creation. |
LinkedList allows for the efficient insertion or removal of elements from any position, as it involves only updating the links. | In an Array, the insertion or removal of elements in any position is costly because you have to shift elements. |
LinkedList uses more memory than an array because it uses extra space for storing pointers to the next (and possibly previous) elements. | An Array uses less memory because it only stores the elements. |
LinkedList provides sequential access, i.e., to get to an element you have to traverse from the head node. This can take more time. | An Array provides random access, i.e., you can access any element directly because they are indexed. This results in faster access times. |
LinkedList doesn't need contiguous memory locations. Each node can be stored anywhere in memory. | Arrays require contiguous memory locations. Elements of an array are stored together in memory. |
In LinkedList, you don’t need to know the size at the time of creation. | In Array, you must know the size at the time of creation. |
In Java, the LinkedList class implements the List and Deque interfaces and can be used to create a singly or doubly linked list. | In Java, Arrays are provided by native support and also by the java.util.Arrays class. |
LinkedList does not support primitive types. | Arrays support both primitive and reference types. |
No direct support for operators like [ ] to access elements. | Direct support for operators like [ ] to access elements. |
Comments
Post a Comment