Adding an arrayList of random type to an arrayList

Question

So I have looked a lot online on how to do this and what I get is this

ArrayList<ArrayList<Type>> arrayLists = new ArrayList<ArrayList<Type>>();
ArrayList<TypeA> typeA = new ArrayList<TypeA>();
ArrayList<TypeB> typeB = new ArrayList<TypeB>();
...

Assuming that I have a class called TypeA, and a class called TypeB, and the array list typeA would contain multiple objects of the class TypeA. The same goes for typeB

Now my question what do I put where Type is for the arrayList, and how do I add an arrayList to arrayLists? If I did this I would get an error:

arrayLists.add(typeA);

I am trying to make a list that contains arrayLists, if my approach is wrong please tell me.

I think you should mention whether typeA and typeB are related or not I guess — Kick Buttowski
– Kick Buttowski, Commented Jan 11, 2015 at 5:27

Stack Exchange Broke The Law · Accepted Answer · 2015-01-11 05:25:36Z

4

If you want an ArrayList which contains ArrayLists with unknown contents, use the type ArrayList<ArrayList<?>> for the outer list.

This code should compile with no problems:

ArrayList<ArrayList<?>> arrayLists = new ArrayList<ArrayList<?>>();
ArrayList<TypeA> typeA = new ArrayList<TypeA>();
ArrayList<TypeB> typeB = new ArrayList<TypeB>();

arrayLists.add(typeA);
arrayLists.add(typeB);

answered Jan 11, 2015 at 5:25

Stack Exchange Broke The Law

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2 Comments

Kick Buttowski Over a year ago

I did not ask this question but can you explain a little more so I can vote u up?

Ubica Over a year ago

? is a wildcard, not much explaining needed :)

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