Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Java collections framework" in English language version.
Before Collections made its most welcome debut, the standard methods for grouping Java objects were via the array, the Vector, and the Hashtable. All three of these collections have different methods and syntax for accessing members: arrays use the square bracket ([]) symbols, Vector uses the elementAt method, and Hashtable usesgetandputmethods.
As with Java itself, the Java Generic Library borrows heavily from the C++ camp: It takes the best from C++'s STL, while leaving the C++ warts behind. Most C++ programmers today will know of their STL, but few are managing to exploit its potential.
Comparing ObjectSpace Inc.'s JGL and Sun's Collections Framework turns out to be like comparing apples and kiwi fruits. At first sight, the two frameworks seem to be competing for the same developers, but after a closer inspection it is clear that the two cannot be compared fairly without acknowledging first that the two frameworks have different goals. If, like Sun's documentation states, Collections is going to homogenize Sun's own APIs (core API, extensions, etc.), then clearly Collections has to be great news, and a good thing, even to the most fanatic JGL addict. Provided Sun doesn't break its promise in this area, I'll be happy to invest my resources in adopting Collections in earnest.
The Sun Java Development Kit JDK1.2 finally includes a standard set of collection classes. While there are some design and implementation differences, the JDK1.2 package contains most of the same basic abstractions, structure, and functionality as this package. For this reason, this collections package will NOT be further updated
Note: Upon release of J2SE 5.0, this package enters maintenance mode: Only essential corrections will be released. J2SE5 package java.util.concurrent includes improved, more efficient, standardized versions of the main components in this package.
