Collections

Introduction

Java Collections Framework (JCF) is a powerful framework that provides a set of classes and interfaces for storing and manipulating groups of objects efficiently. It includes Lists, Sets, Maps, Queues, and utility classes for sorting, searching, and other operations.

In this blog, we will cover:

• What is Java Collections?
• Hierarchy of Java Collections
• List, Set, Queue, and Map with examples
• Sorting and Searching operations
• Performance analysis
• When to use which collection?

1. What is Java Collections Framework?

Java Collections Framework provides ready-to-use implementations of commonly used data structures. It eliminates the need for developers to write custom implementations.

Key Benefits:

✔ Reduces development effort
✔ Increases performance by using optimized algorithms
✔ Supports dynamic data structures
✔ Provides thread-safe versions

2. Java Collections Hierarchy

The Java Collections Framework is divided into four main interfaces:

1. List — Ordered collection (ArrayList, LinkedList, Vector)
2. Set — Unique elements only (HashSet, TreeSet, LinkedHashSet)