How to Create an Array of Map<String, Object> in Java?

How can I create an array of Map<String, Object> in Java?

Map<String, Object>[] arrayOfMaps = new HashMap[10]; // Creating an array of HashMap instances.

Creating an array of `Map<String, Object>` in Java requires understanding generics and array initialization. Since Java does not allow the direct creation of a generic array due to type erasure, we have to use a workaround.

Map<String, Object>[] arrayOfMaps = new HashMap[10];

// Example initialization of each map
for (int i = 0; i < arrayOfMaps.length; i++) {
    arrayOfMaps[i] = new HashMap<>();
}

Causes

• Java's type erasure doesn't allow creation of arrays of generic types directly.
• Trying to create an array of Map<String, Object> may lead to compile-time errors.

Solutions

• Use an array of raw types and cast it to the desired type when accessed: `Map<String, Object>[] array = new HashMap[10];`.
• Alternatively, use an `ArrayList<Map<String, Object>>` instead of an array if dynamic sizing is needed.

Mistake: Directly creating new Map<String, Object>[] array = new HashMap[10]; without proper casting.

Solution: Always create a raw type first and cast when necessary.

Mistake: Not initializing the Maps inside the array, leading to NullPointerExceptions.

Solution: Ensure to initialize each Map instance before use.