Variable in Java Enhanced For Statement

Last edit: 16:04:08 12/16/2019

Java introduced a new way to iterate through Collections and arrays. It’s sometimes referred as the enhanced for statement.

For example:`

int[] numbers = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10};
for (int number: numbers) {
    System.out.println(number);
}

It makes for loop more compact and easier to read.

The problem is, what happens if I make some changes to number? Is number a copy of an object in numbers or a reference?

Here it goes:

int[] numbers = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10};
for (int number: numbers) {
    number = 2;
}
for (int number: numbers) {
    System.out.print(number + " ");
}
System.out.println();

The result is:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Thus, the variable created by the Enhanced For loop is a copy of the object from the array or Collection.

---

References

1. The for Statement, The Java™ Tutorials. Retrieved on Dec. 16, 2019

---

⇦ Previous: To Create a Simplified Version of ls

⇨ Next: Yes, Emails are leaking your IP address

🏡 Back to Home Page