Java Lists or ArrayLists?

This is my first post here, I'm not sure if this is in the right forum.

I'm reading data from an XML file, and storing it in temporary memory so that I can:

* Read
* Update individual entries
* Search
* Sort by ascending/descending order (date column)
* Add more then save to the XML file
* Deleting entries
* Updating entries

I need an expandable object to use. Obviously arrays do not suit.

So would I be better off using Lists or Arraylists?

Well, List is an interface, so you cannot create an instance of it. In fact, ArrayList is one of the container classes that implements List. What you need to do is to look through the collection classes that implement List and choose the one that best meets your requirements.

Welcome to the Ranch.

Bear Bibeault wrote:Well, List is an interface, so you cannot create an instance of it. In fact, ArrayList is one of the container classes that implements List. What you need to do is to look through the collection classes that implement List and choose the one that best meets your requirements.

Welcome to the Ranch.

Thanks! I didn't realize that! I'm looking at the Java API now.

The API is certainly a good resource, but it isn't the best place to learn the basics of how to use classes. For that, Oracle provides a huge number of tutorials. Here's a link to the tutorial about collections (including lists): Trail: Collections, which you should have a look at.

In general when you want to learn about Topic X in Java, google for "java X tutorial" and follow the link to the Oracle tutorial.