How many ways are there to declare a two dimensional array in Java?

Question

I have the following as two ways to declare a two dimensional String array. I am being asked to find another way but I don't think there is any other way. Can someone please give me some advice.

    String[][] a = new String[20][20]
    String a[][] = new String[20][20]

Thanks

IMHO maybe you should get a book with Java basics. @siegi has posted the other way to declare arrays. — Luiggi Mendoza
– Luiggi Mendoza, Commented Jun 18, 2012 at 15:59
@LuiggiMendoza I cannot think of a Java basics book that would contain that sort of information. And if it would contain that information, it would be a bad book... ;) — brimborium
– brimborium, Commented Jun 18, 2012 at 16:02
Well I have books but I could not see any way. Sorry but I did try. — user1464139
– user1464139, Commented Jun 18, 2012 at 16:04
@LuiggiMendoza Actually, yes. It's very confusing and I can not see any pro's on using that notation. The only reason to actually store this in my head is to impress someone else with useless java knowledge. :D But as always: If you show me a good use for it, I will take everything back. ;) — brimborium
– brimborium, Commented Jun 18, 2012 at 16:14
@brimborium extracted from the book: "We can also declare multidimensional arrays, which are in fact arrays of arrays. This can be done in the following manner: String[][][] occupantName; // recommended [breakline] String[] ManagerName []; // yucky, but legal". — Luiggi Mendoza
– Luiggi Mendoza, Commented Jun 18, 2012 at 16:35

siegi · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-18 15:57:33Z

6

String[] a[] = new String[20][20]

Edit: Note that this works with methods too:

private String[] a()[]
{
    return new String[20][20];
}

Also note that I do not recommend this notation as it is unclear and confusing!

answered Jun 18, 2012 at 15:57

siegi

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4 Comments

brimborium Over a year ago

Wow, did not know that. What a mess. :D

siegi Over a year ago

@brimborium Indeed… I didn't know that either until some weeks ago… :-D

EvenLisle Over a year ago

Initialization, not declaration.

siegi Over a year ago

@user1458374 Sorry, I don't understand what you would like to say with that. The question is about declaration of two dimensional arrays…

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