Difference Between ArrayList and Vector in Java

ArrayList

ArrayList in Java is a dynamic array implementation that belongs to the Java Collections Framework. This is a big array that grows on its own as more elements are added to it.

ArrayList class is defined in java.util package is quite commonly used for its ease of use and flexibility. They offer flexibility in that you do not need to determine the size of the ArrayList at the time of its creation, which is similar to standard arrays in Java. So, it is much more flexible than the traditional array.

The ArrayList in Java can also have duplicate elements. It implements the List interface so that we can use all the methods of the List interface here. The ArrayList maintains the insertion order internally.

To read more Java ArrayList

Vector

A Vector is like a dynamic array that can grow or shrink its size. Unlike an array, we can store n-number of elements in it as there is no size limit. It is a part of the Java Collection framework since Java 1.2. It belongs to java.util package and implements the List interface so that we can use all the methods of the List interface here.

It is recommended to use the Vector class in the thread-safe implementation only. If you do not need to use the thread-safe implementation, you should use the ArrayList; the ArrayList will perform better in such a case.

It is similar to the ArrayList, but with two differences-

• Vector is synchronized.
• Java Vector contains many legacy methods that are not part of the Collections framework.

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ArrayList Vs. Vector

ArrayList Example

Let's see a simple example where we are using ArrayList to store and traverse the elements.

Output:

Sonoo
Michael
James
Andy

Vector Example

Let's see a simple example of a Java Vector class that uses the Enumeration interface.

Output:

Andrew
Peter
Jack