Java 2-D ArrayList : Adding Values.

Question

I have to create an ArrayList of ArrayList i.e.

ArrayList<ArrayList<Integer>> l=new ArrayList<ArrayList<Integer>>();

I will be receiving the values for the inner list at random i.e. sometimes I might get the value for the first inner list, sometimes for the second. So, I have to do something like, l.get(x).add(y); But since initially all the outer list variables point at null this would give me an error. I somehow need to initialize all the outer list as an empty list [] and not null to which I can get a valid reference.

Any idea on how to get around this problem?

suppose this [post](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4401850/how-to-create-a-multidimensional-arraylist-in-java) has a good solution for this issue. — Rajith Pemabandu, Apr 19 '17 at 00:45
I don't think I can initialise it with 0 because I dont know the size of the inner list. — hesk, Apr 19 '17 at 00:47
why not just use `int` instead? this way you have a default 0 value — Downhillski, Apr 19 '17 at 00:49
That's just the scenario. I dont know the size of the inner lists. I will receive the values at random and accordingly need to add them to respective inner list. — hesk, Apr 19 '17 at 00:50

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 19 '17 at 00:59

2

You could create your own list that extends ArrayList overriding the add() type functions and when the add() or similar function is called, ensures that the Array is at least as long as the current index + 1 before inserting the child Array.

answered Apr 19 '17 at 00:59

Jason K.

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Java 2-D ArrayList : Adding Values.

1 Answers1