Java ArrayList Syntax Error

Question

I'm getting an error when declaring this ArrayList as an instance variable in Java.

private ArrayList<char> correctGuesses = new ArrayList<char>();

The error:

Syntax error on token char, Dimension expected after this token

Can I not make ArrayLists with type char?

DaMainBoss · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-17 21:26:11Z

30

You can't use a primitive type, rather you use its Wrapper class.. So instead of char you would have Character

ArrayList<Character> correctGuesses = new ArrayList<Character>();

answered Jul 17, 2011 at 21:26

DaMainBoss

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Comments

Saad · Accepted Answer · 2016-10-10 09:52:44Z

3

You can't use primitives as generic parameters. Instead, you use the wrapped version.
Try this:

private ArrayList<Character> correctGuesses = new ArrayList<Character>();

You can still add char types to it though, because java auto-boxes them. ie

correctGuesses.add((char)63);

would be a legal statement.

Saad

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answered Jul 17, 2011 at 21:25

Bohemian♦

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rossum · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-17 21:26:42Z

1

Declare your ArrayList using Character:

private ArrayList<Character> correctGuesses = new ArrayList<Character>();

Generics don't work with simple types, they require Objects.

answered Jul 17, 2011 at 21:26

rossum

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