C# | Array vs ArrayList (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 13 Jun, 2022

Arrays: An array is a group of like-typed variables that are referred to by a common name. Example:

CSHARP `

// C# program to demonstrate the Arrays using System;

class GFG {

// Main Method
public static void Main(string[] args)
{

    // creating array
    int[] arr = new int[4];

    // initializing array
    arr[0] = 47;
    arr[1] = 77;
    arr[2] = 87;
    arr[3] = 97;

    // traversing array
    for (int i = 0; i < arr.Length; i++) {

        Console.WriteLine(arr[i]);
    }
}

}

`

To read more about arrays please refer C# | Arrays ArrayList: ArrayList represents an ordered collection of an object that can be indexed individually. It is basically an alternative to an array. It also allows dynamic memory allocation, adding, searching and sorting items in the list. Example:

CSHARP `

// C# program to illustrate the ArrayList using System; using System.Collections;

class GFG {

// Main Method
public static void Main(string[] args)
{

    // Create a list of strings
    ArrayList al = new ArrayList();
    al.Add("Ajay");
    al.Add("Ankit");
    al.Add(10);
    al.Add(10.10);

    // Iterate list element using foreach loop
    foreach(var names in al)
    {
        Console.WriteLine(names);
    }
}

}

`

Output:

Ajay Ankit 10 10.1

To read more about ArrayList please refer C# | ArrayList Class

Difference Between Array and ArrayList

Feature Array ArrayList
Memory This has fixed size and can't increase or decrease dynamically. Size can be increase or decrease dynamically.
Namespace Arrays belong to System.Array namespace ArrayList belongs to System.Collection namespace.
Data Type In Arrays, we can store only one datatype either int, string, char etc. In ArrayList we can store different datatype variables.
Operation Speed Insertion and deletion operation is fast. Insertion and deletion operation in ArrayList is slower than an Array.
Typed Arrays are strongly typed which means it can store only specific type of items or elements. ArrayList are not strongly typed.
null Array cannot accept null. ArrayList can accepts null.

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