Learn Java for Android Development

Chapter 8

Discovering the Collections Framework

Java's standard class library includes various utility APIs. An important category of utility APIs is the collections framework, which lets applications manage groups of objects. After presenting an overview of this framework, this chapter introduces you to the framework's core interfaces, implementation classes, and utility classes. Chapter 8 ends by discussing Java's classic collections classes.

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, Chapter 8 explores classes and interfaces that are located in the java.util package.

Framework Overview

A collection is a group of objects that are stored in an instance of a class designed for this purpose. You could create your own collections classes, but why should you ...