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Java•Java Data Structures

Java Set

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Hash map lookup

Hash the key, jump to a bucket, then compare entries there.

Ada -> bucket 20Cy:21Bo:22Ada:3Dee:33

Ada hashes to bucket 2; lookup only scans entries in that bucket.

Java Set Interface

The Set interface is part of the Java Collections Framework and is used to store a collection of unique elements .

Unlike a List , a Set does not allow duplicates , and it does not preserve the order of elements (unless you're using TreeSet or LinkedHashSet ).

Common classes that implement Set

  • HashSet - fast and unordered
  • TreeSet - sorted set
  • LinkedHashSet - ordered by insertion

Tip

Use a Set when you need to store unique values only.

Common Set Methods

MethodDescription
add()Adds an element if it's not already in the set
remove()Removes the element from the set
contains()Checks if the set contains the element
size()Returns the number of elements
clear()Removes all elements

Set vs. List

ListSet
Allows duplicatesDoes not allow duplicates
Maintains orderDoes not guarantee order
Access by indexNo index-based access

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Java List Sorting

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Java HashSet