How can I use a defined Array variable from another method?

Question

I want to use an Array variable, which is defined in one method, in another method of the same class.

I tried to directly use it but there is an error saying "cannot find variable". I tried to define the Array variable as static in the front but there is an error saying "Array constant can only be used in initializers".

Here is an example:

import java.io.*;
import java.util.*;
public class test{
    public static void name(){
        String[] list={"a","b"};
    }

    public static void main(String args[]){
        name();
        System.out.println(Arrays.toString(list));
    }
}

And what I want is just the array named list.

You need to read more about variable scopes!

Nik Kashi
– Nik Kashi

2019-04-06 12:33:29 +00:00
Commented Apr 6, 2019 at 12:33 — Nik Kashi
– Nik Kashi, Commented Apr 6, 2019 at 12:33

javapedia.net · Accepted Answer · 2019-04-06 12:35:10Z

1

I made list as a static variable and initialized array using initializer.

import java.io.*;
import java.util.*;
public class Test{
    static String[] list;

    public static void name(){

       list= new String[]{"a","b"};
    }

    public static void main(String args[]){
         name();
        System.out.println(Arrays.toString(list));
    }
}

answered Apr 6, 2019 at 12:35

javapedia.net

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Comments

lealceldeiro · Accepted Answer · 2019-04-06 12:49:17Z

1

Return the value of list from the method name. That's it change the method signature from return type void to String[].

public class test {
    public static String[] name(){
        String[] list = {"a","b"};
        return list;
    }

    public static void main(String args[]){
        System.out.println(Arrays.toString(name()));
    }
}

On the other hand, you could create it as a variable inside test class, and then in main instantiate that class and call that member variable.

public class test {
    // not very safe! using public access modifier
    public String[] list = {"a","b"};
    public static void main (String[] args) {
        test instance = new test();
        System.out.println(Arrays.toString(instance.list));
    }
}

See demo

edited Apr 6, 2019 at 12:49

answered Apr 6, 2019 at 12:30

lealceldeiro

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2 Comments

An Yan Over a year ago

Thanks man. BTW, is this the only way to fix this? if not returing what can I do

lealceldeiro Over a year ago

You could create it as a variable inside test class, and then in main instantiate that class and call that member variable. Would you prefer better that option?

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