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Java Java Data Structures Exploring the Java Collection Framework Maps

Posted by Dinu Comendant
Dinu Comendant
6,049 Points

what's the purpose of authoredTreets = new ArrayList<Treet>();

I don't quite understand this certain line of code "authoredTreets = new ArrayList<Treet>();" Craig uses it for an if statement in case if the authoredTreets returns null. What does it do in this specific situation and what it tries to accomplish?

2 Answers

Pedro Cabral
Pedro Cabral
33,586 Points

You want to add a treet to a list, if the list already exists it's not a problem to add to it. But if it the list doesn't yet exist, say it's the first treet from an author, then you need to create it prior to using the command add. If you don't create and you call add on nothing (null) them you get an exception.

In other words:

  1. Does a list not exist? Create one.
  2. Add to it. (Not a problem, the list will definitely exist due to the null check)
Dinu Comendant
Dinu Comendant
6,049 Points
Dinu Comendant
Dinu Comendant
6,049 Points

Thank you very much, Pedro. Now I finally understood it!