How to Pass an Array to Function in Java?

Java, a powerful programming language, provides a number of efficient ways to handle and use arrays. Passing arrays to functions is a crucial part of array manipulation. Programmers can directly manipulate array items by performing actions on them by giving arrays as function parameters. In this section, we will explain several methods for passing one- and multi-dimensional arrays to Java functions. We will examine several techniques, highlighting their benefits and provide real-world code samples to show how to use them.

1. Passing One-Dimensional Arrays

Pass by Value: When a function parameter containing an array is supplied, a copy of the array reference is made. We look to examine this method's ramifications and how changes impact the initial array.

ArrayPassing.java

Output:

2 4 6 8 10

Pass by Reference: Pass by reference is not explicitly supported by Java. To replicate this behavior, we may use objects or wrapper classes, and we can even send arrays by reference. We outline the method in detail while highlighting its benefits and drawbacks.

ArrayPassingReference.java

Output:

2 4 6 8 10

2. Passing Multi-Dimensional Arrays

Jagged Arrays: In this section, we discuss the idea of jagged arrays in Java and show how to send them to methods. We examine the importance of array dimensions and, for clarity, present code examples.

ArrayPassingJagged.java

Output:

2 4 6
8 10
12 14 16 18

Arrays of Arrays: This strategy entails building an array of array references. We describe how to send arrays of arrays as function parameters and discuss the advantages of doing so.

ArrayExample.java

Output:

     2 4 6
    8 10
    12 14 16 18

3. Using Varargs

To make sending a variable number of arguments to a function simpler, Java introduces varargs or variable-length arguments. We describe the syntax and use cases and clarify how varargs may be used to send arrays.

Varargs.java

Output:

 2 4 6 8 10

4. Passing Array Elements

Java enables methods to receive individual array items. We study the method of transmitting certain components and describe how it may be useful in some circumstances.

ArrayPassingExample.java

Output:

Original Array: 1 2 3 4 5 
Modified Array: 2 4 3 4 5

5. Passing Arrays to Methods in Standard Libraries

There are several libraries with built-in functions in Java that accept arrays as inputs. We provide guidance on how to make effective and efficient use of these resources.

ArrayPassing.java

Output:

Original Array: 5 2 8 1 4 
Sorted Array: 1 2 4 5 8