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Introduction

Java Collection is a framework that provides a set of interfaces and classes to store and manipulate groups of objects. Collections allow developers to work with groups of objects as a single entity and provide various functionalities such as sorting, searching, filtering, and iteration. Some of the commonly used interfaces in the Java Collection framework include List, Set, Map, and Queue. Whether you’re a beginner or appearing for a more advanced Java Collection interview, our set of questions and their detailed explanations will help you prepare for the interview more confidently. The questions have covered various topics like Java Collection framework, List, Set, and Map interfaces, Synchronized and concurrent collections, Performance considerations and more.

Java Collection Interview Questions and Answers
Intermediate

1. What is Collection? What is a Collection Framework?

The collection is an API, introduced in JDK 5. Initially, the collection got released with some of few classes with Vector, Stack, Hash table, Array. The collection is an API which has got various implementation of data structure List, Set, Stack, Queue, Map. The available implementation classes can group the N no of objects without specifying the size. Collection API provides the growable object. All these classes are a growable class which increases the size at runtime.

2. What are the key benefits of using the Java Collections Framework?

Expect to come across this popular question in java collection interview questions.

The collection framework provides all the implementation of the available data structures, which reduces the development time. All the classes are growable classes, that means we don’t need to provide the size at compile time. Later release Collection framework also starts supporting the Generics. Collection framework also starts supporting the thread collection class like ConcurrentHashMap and CopyOnWriteArrayList. Code quality also getting improved by using well-tested collection API. Reduce code maintenance by using the collection framework. Collection API also provides the utility class called Collections. Enhance the reusability and interpretability of the code base.

3. What are the basic interfaces of Java Collections Framework and how to instantiate this interface?

1. Set

  • Set is a collection, which avoids containing duplicate elements.
  • This interface models the mathematical set abstraction and is used to represent sets, such as the deck of cards.
  • Set doesn’t maintain the order.
  • HashSet, LinkedHashSet or TreeSet are the implementations of the Set interface.
  • Set also adds a stronger contract on the behaviour of the equals and hashCode
  • Code Snippet: Set set = new HashSet();

2. List

  • The list follows the ordered collection and can contain duplicate elements.
  • One can access any element from its index.
  • The list is somewhat like array however length is changing at runtime.
  • List interface doesn’t provide the thread safety.
  • ArrayList, LinkedList, CopyOnWriteArray are the implementation of List interface.
  • Code Snippet: List list = new ArrayList();

3. Queue

  • Queue interface is a part of collection framework extend the collection interface.
  • A queue is used to insert elements at the end of the queue and removes from the beginning of the queue. It based on the FIFO concept.
  • The queue is inherited from the Collection framework, so it supports all the method like insertion and deletion.
  • ArrayBlockingqueue and PriorityQueue are the most widely used implementation classes.
  • public class PriorityQueue<E> extends AbstractQueue<E> implements Serializable  
  • Code Snippet: Queue queue = new PriorityQueue();

Java collection framework(high level overview)

4. Is there any other interface, which has some specific use case?

This is a frequently asked question in Java collection interview questions and answers.

  1. Dequeue:
    • The Deque interface provides the facility of using double ended queue means we can use either end to push and pop the elements.
    • ArrayDeque is one of the implementations.
    • Unlike Queue, we can add or remove elements from both sides.
    • Null elements are not allowed in the ArrayDeque.
    • ArrayDeque is faster than LinkedList and Stack.
    • CodeSnippet: Deque<String> deque=new ArrayDeque<String>();  
  2. SortedSet
    • This interface extends Set and provides a total ordering of its elements.
    • The implementation class of the SortedSet interface has an implementation of the Comparable interface so that all the elements in the set can mutually comparable.
    • SortedSet by default do the sorting on ascending order.
    • TreeSet is an implementation of a sorted set interface.
    • Code Snippet: SortedSetsortedSet = new SortedSet();
  3. NavigableSet:
    • NavigableSet is responsible for a navigable set in Java Collection Framework.
    • The NavigableSet interface inherits from the SortedSet interface.
    • It behaves like a SortedSet with the exception that we have navigation methods available in addition to the sorting mechanisms of the SortedSet.
    • For example, NavigableSet interface can navigate the set in reverse order compared to the order defined in SortedSet.
    • The classes that implement this interface are, TreeSet and ConcurrentSkipListSet
    • Code snippet: NavigableSet set = new

5. What is a Map interface, why it's not a part of collection framework and when to use?

A map is an object that maps keys to values. The map works on key-value pair principal. A map doesn't allow to contain duplicate keys. Each key can map to at most one value. HashMap, TreeMap, ConcurentHashMap are the implementation of the map. The map has three kind of collection like key, values and key values and it doesn’t implement the collection interface that is the reason the Map interface doesn’t fall in the collection hierarchy. The order of the map depends on the specific implementation classes.

Code Snippet: Map map = new HashMap();.

The best use case is when we need to specify the pairing between the object and store accordingly.

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Description

Java interview questions can range from basic to advanced and answering them confidently and accurately can demonstrate a candidate's Java programming skills. It is also important to understand the concepts related to collections and how to effectively implement them in software to improve the quality and performance of code and general applications. In addition, several collection classes are available in Java, such as ch as ArrayList, LinkedList, HashMap, and TreeSet, each with unique properties and implementation. Knowing how to use these frameworks effectively can greatly impact the development process and produce efficient and optimized code. You can opt for this Java course to master these concepts.

In conclusion, mastery of Java collections is very important for any Java developer, and constant learning and practice are required to stay up to date with new frameworks and technologies. A solid understanding of collections can lead to successful careers in Java programming and job opportunities in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. Therefore, it is very important to go through and understand the Java Collection interview questions to improve your chances of getting a job and succeeding in Java programming.

Additionally, you may enroll in some of the best programming certifications from KnowledgeHut.

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