What is the Difference Between `fn(String... args)` and `fn(String[] args)` in Java?

Question

What is the difference between the syntax `fn(String... args)` and `fn(String[] args)` in Java?

function(String... args) 
function(String[] args)

Answer

In Java, both `fn(String... args)` and `fn(String[] args)` denote methods that can accept a variable number of string arguments. However, there are essential differences in their syntax usage, invocation, and handling of parameters.

public void exampleVarargs(String... args) {
    for (String arg : args) {
        System.out.println(arg);
    }
}

public void exampleArray(String[] args) {
    for (String arg : args) {
        System.out.println(arg);
    }
}

// Examples of invoking both methods:
exampleVarargs("one", "two", "three"); // Works with varargs
exampleArray(new String[]{"one", "two", "three"}); // Requires an array

Causes

  • The `String... args` syntax is known as varargs (variable-length arguments). It allows you to pass zero or more arguments to the method, effectively treating them as an array within the method.
  • The `String[] args` syntax explicitly requires an array as an argument. It can accept an existing array or an explicitly created array of strings.

Solutions

  • When using `String... args`, you can call the method with any number of string arguments or even none at all. Example: `fn("arg1", "arg2");` or `fn();`
  • With `String[] args`, you must pass an array to the method. Example: `String[] myArgs = {"arg1", "arg2"}; fn(myArgs);`.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Assuming `fn(String... args)` and `fn(String[] args)` are completely interchangeable.

Solution: While they can both receive multiple string arguments, they differ in how you invoke the methods.

Mistake: Not recognizing that `String... args` can be used in method overloading.

Solution: Varargs can facilitate method overloading scenarios where the function can accept different sets of arguments.

Helpers

  • Java varargs
  • Java String array
  • method overloading in Java
  • Java variable arguments
  • Java method parameter differences

Related Questions

⦿Why Should I Override performClick When Overriding onTouchEvent in Custom Android Views?

Learn the importance of overriding performClick when creating custom Android views. Avoid common warnings and ensure accessibility.

⦿How to Analyze a Heap Dump in Java Using jmap?

Learn how to analyze heap dumps in Java with jmap including command usage tools for readability and debugging tips.

⦿How to Convert a Sentence String to an Array of Words in Java

Learn how to easily convert a sentence string into a string array of words in Java removing punctuation and splitting by spaces.

⦿How to Change the App Language Programmatically on Android N

Learn how to programmatically change the app language on Android N devices and troubleshoot issues with string resources not updating on subsequent activities.

⦿Understanding the Purpose of Constructors in Abstract Classes in Java

Explore why abstract classes in Java have constructors despite not being directly instantiable. Learn about instantiation context and inheritance.

⦿How to Throw a 404 Error from a Java Servlet

Learn how to throw a 404 error from within a Java servlet and specify custom error pages using web.xml.

⦿What is the Difference Between `limit()` and `skip()` in Java 8 Streams?

Explore the differences between limit and skip in Java 8 Streams along with example code and their implications on stream processing.

⦿How to Verify Mockito Method Calls with Generic Collection Parameters?

Learn how to use Mockito to verify method calls with generic parameters like CollectionPerson and avoid common syntax errors.

⦿How to Disable hbm2ddl in Hibernate

Learn how to turn off hbm2ddl in Hibernate to control schema management behavior effectively.

⦿How to Concatenate Two ArrayLists in Java?

Learn how to concatenate two ArrayLists in Java that contain related data such as names and phone numbers with clear examples.

© Copyright 2025 - CodingTechRoom.com