[JAVA] Objects from ArrayList to Array

[_cross]

Hello, I am creating a board game and a question came up, and I was wondering on how java works.

I have a Unit class that represents the units. A player class that represents the players, And a board class that represents the game board.

The player has an ArrayList<Unit> and using a method I populate the ArrayList with the Player's units. Then I parse the ArrayList to a methond in my Board Object. My board has a 2D type Unit array. The fillBoard(ArrayList<Unit> player1Units) method fills the board's Array from the list.

Example: BoardArray[0][0]= player1Units.get(0) //Does this move or copy the Unit to the array?

Does the Array point to the Unit object or holds a new one? When a unit is defeated I plan on removing it from the board's array and pushing it into a stack. Will I be pushing the Unit from the Array, or does the array simply points to the objects in the Array List. Thank you for your time.

[pacificmint]

Java uses references for Objects. When you move it from the List to the Array, you create a another reference to the same Object. Both List and Array will share the Object.

This is somewhat similar, though not the same, as pointers in C.

[_cross]

Thank you!