Can I Modify a Collection While Iterating Over It in Java?

Iterating and Modifying Collections Concurrently

Iterating over a collection and adding elements to it can be a tricky operation to perform. Conventional wisdom suggests that attempting such modifications during iteration can lead to unpredictable behavior, as the Java Tutorial explicitly warns against it. However, this restriction leaves developers wondering if there are alternative approaches to achieve their desired outcome.

One potential solution involves utilizing a queue data structure. By constructing a queue with the elements intended for iteration, you can add elements to the end of the queue as needed. As long as elements remain in the queue, they will be iterated over, ensuring that newly added elements are processed as well.

This method is similar to a breadth-first search algorithm's operation. It allows for the addition of new elements while maintaining the iteration process's integrity. However, it is essential to note that this approach does not guarantee the termination of the iteration process, especially if the added elements continually satisfy the condition for further additions.

The above is the detailed content of Can I Modify a Collection While Iterating Over It in Java?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!