Java array assignment (multiple values)

Question

I have a Java array defined already e.g.

float[] values = new float[3]; 

I would like to do something like this further on in the code:

values = {0.1f, 0.2f, 0.3f}; 

But that gives me a compile error. Is there a nicer way to define multiple values at once, rather than doing this?:

values[0] = 0.1f; values[1] = 0.2f; values[2] = 0.3f; 

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes:

float[] values = {0.1f, 0.2f, 0.3f}; 

This syntax is only permissible in an initializer. You cannot use it in an assignment, where the following is the best you can do:

values = new float[3]; 

or

values = new float[] {0.1f, 0.2f, 0.3f}; 

Trying to find a reference in the language spec for this, but it's as unreadable as ever. Anyone else find one?

Answer 2

On declaration you can do the following.

float[] values = {0.1f, 0.2f, 0.3f}; 

When the field is already defined, try this.

values = new float[] {0.1f, 0.2f, 0.3f}; 

Be aware that also the second version creates a new array. If values was the only reference to an already existing field, it becomes eligible for garbage collection.