Java .remove()

BrandonDusch's avatar
Published Mar 21, 2022
Contribute to Docs

The .remove() method is used for removing specified elements from instances of the ArrayList class.

  • Looking for an introduction to the theory behind programming? Master Python while learning data structures, algorithms, and more!
    • Includes 6 Courses
    • With Professional Certification
    • Beginner Friendly.
      75 hours
  • Learn to code in Java — a robust programming language used to create software, web and mobile apps, and more.
    • Beginner Friendly.
      17 hours

Syntax

An element can be removed from an ArrayList instance by being passed to the .remove() method. It can be referenced either by value or index:

arrayListInstance.remove(element);

Example

In the example below, an empty ArrayList instance studentList is created and can hold String-type elements. Next, a few elements are added with the .add() method. Lastly, two students are removed from the ArrayList with .remove():

import java.util.ArrayList;
public class Students {
public static void main(String[] args) {
ArrayList<String> studentList = new ArrayList<String>();
studentList.add("John");
studentList.add("Lily");
studentList.add("Samantha");
studentList.add("Tony");
// Remove John via index, then Lily via value
studentList.remove(0);
studentList.remove("Lily");
System.out.println(studentList);
}
}

The studentList output should look like this:

[Samantha, Tony]

All contributors

Contribute to Docs

Learn Java on Codecademy

  • Looking for an introduction to the theory behind programming? Master Python while learning data structures, algorithms, and more!
    • Includes 6 Courses
    • With Professional Certification
    • Beginner Friendly.
      75 hours
  • Learn to code in Java — a robust programming language used to create software, web and mobile apps, and more.
    • Beginner Friendly.
      17 hours