length in array

[sivaramp pratapa]

Hi all,
what is the scope of the variable length in an array!
i just want to know how is it declared in the library
and how does it work
can any one help me out!
thanks
siva

[Corey McGlone]

The length variable is simply an instance variable declared within the array object. When you create an array, that variable is set to whatever size you indicate.

[sivaramp pratapa]

yeah, but why cant we assign or change this variable, other than
when initializing the array!
its set when we initialize an array!
why can't i assign some thing like
array.length= some number;
at the same time, this instance variable can be accessed thru the instance it got created,
is it declared final, (i dont think so, since it keeps changing whenever the size of the array changes or a new object of the same array is created
whenever the size of the array changes?)
and to add to the question, is it declared public or protected..

[Jeff Bosch]

Array sizes cannot be changed once you instantiate the array. So, why would you want to change the length variable? You would possibly break code that uses the length for any purpose, such at looping.

[Marlene Miller]

Array Members 10.7

[sivaramp pratapa]

thanks,Marlene Miller
that really helps a lot
and i am very much satisfied looking at the url you sent..
and Jeff Bosch has asked me why would i want to change the length variable,
i was just checking whether can we assign any value to that variable or not!
since it is declared as final, as i found out
now there is no question of assigning any value to it..
thanks a lot for all your help folks!

[Marlene Miller]

Thank you sivaramp. I guessed you might like to see the JLS spec on this topic. Thank you for letting us know.