How to convert list to array in Java and vice-versa

There is no easy way to convert an array to list in Java, but you can easily convert a list into array by calling toArray() method, which List inherit from Collection interface. If you solely rely on core JDK, then only way to convert an array to list is looping over array and populating list one element at a time. But if you can use open source libraries like Google Guava or Apache Commons lang then there is many utility classes to convert list to array and vice-versa, as shown in this tutorial. If you are working on Java application, you will often need to convert between list and array. A list is nothing but a dynamic array which knows how to re-size itself when it gets full or get close to full. List uses load factor to decide when to re-size, default value of its is 0.75. When they re-size, list usually double their slots e.g. goes from 16 to 32 etc. You can find these nifty details in their implementation classes e.g. ArrayList is one of the popular list in Java which provides order and random access. BTW, if you want to truly master Java Collection framework, then you must read Java Generics and Collection book, written by Maurice Naftaline and one of the must read book to become expert on Java Collections framework.

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