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