Why we have Arrays and Array in Java

Question

I have run into these two documentations:

and I'm wondering what the difference is between these two classes. They both provide a different set of static methods, but why are they separate? What is the deeper difference? And what is the relation between them and with the normal instance of array like int[].

I notice that they are from totally different packages, but still hope to find some clarification. Thanks.

Arrays it is a utility class which provides additional functionality to make it easier to work with arrays, performing (some) common functionality. Array is a representation of a instance of an array, through which you can access some of it's properties and is used to support the reflections API. They are basically doing different things for different purposes. Arrays can work with different instances of arrays — MadProgrammer
– MadProgrammer, Commented Mar 3, 2016 at 0:31
Excuse me but if you've 'run into the documentation' why haven't you read it? — user207421
– user207421, Commented Mar 3, 2016 at 0:47

Nathaniel D. Waggoner · Accepted Answer · 2016-03-03 01:22:49Z

14

The differences are made fairly clear in the docs.

From Arrays.java:

This class contains various methods for manipulating arrays (such as sorting and searching). This class also contains a static factory that allows arrays to be viewed as lists.

From Array.java

The Array class provides static methods to dynamically create and access Java arrays.

Essentialy Array is an implementation of core Array operations - getting, setting and instantiation.

Arrays is a helper class for wrapping common Array operations (conversion between Arrays and Lists, sorting, searching for a value) without polluting the core Array "api".

edited Mar 3, 2016 at 1:22

answered Mar 3, 2016 at 0:32

Nathaniel D. Waggoner

2,8962 gold badges23 silver badges41 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Why we have Arrays and Array in Java

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related