What are alternatives to ArrayList and how do they compare?

When it comes to Java collections, ArrayList is a popular choice for storing dynamic arrays. However, there are several alternatives to ArrayList, each with its unique features and use cases. Below is a comparison of some of the most commonly used alternatives to ArrayList:

• LinkedList: This class implements a doubly linked list. It provides better performance for insertions and deletions compared to ArrayList but has slower access times.
• Vector: Similar to ArrayList but synchronized, making it thread-safe. It tends to be slower than ArrayList due to this synchronization.
• Stack: A subclass of Vector that implements a last-in-first-out (LIFO) data structure. It has several methods for pushing and popping elements.
• CopyOnWriteArrayList: A thread-safe variant of ArrayList, ideal for use in concurrent applications where reads must be fast and modifications are rare.
• Future-proofing: In some scenarios, Exploring frameworks such as Guava’s ImmutableList or Apache Commons Collections can provide additional functionality. These collections are designed for specific use cases and can improve performance or provide additional features.

Choosing the right list implementation depends on your specific requirements, such as read/write performance, thread safety, and memory usage.