VB.NET Collections
Visual Basic provides support for various data structures known as Collections, which offer flexible ways to store and manipulate data. These Collection Classes encompass essential data structures such as ArrayList, HashTable, Stack, and Queue, each serving a distinct purpose in managing data efficiently.
The ArrayList class allows you to store and manipulate a dynamic collection of objects. It provides methods to add, remove, and access elements in the collection, allowing for flexible operations on the data. The ArrayList can hold objects of any type, enabling versatile data management within your Visual Basic.NET programs.
The HashTable class implements a collection of key-value pairs, where each unique key maps to a specific value. This data structure enables efficient retrieval and storage of data based on unique keys. It utilizes a hash function to determine the index for each element, ensuring fast access and retrieval of data. The HashTable is particularly useful when you need to quickly locate data based on a specific identifier.
The Stack class represents a last-in, first-out (LIFO) data structure. It allows you to add and remove elements from the top of the stack. This data structure follows the concept of a stack, similar to a stack of plates where the last plate placed is the first to be removed. The Stack class provides methods such as Push to add elements and Pop to remove elements from the top of the stack.
The Queue class represents a first-in, first-out (FIFO) data structure. It allows you to add elements to the end of the queue and remove elements from the beginning. This data structure follows the concept of a queue, similar to people waiting in line, where the first person to arrive is the first to be served. The Queue class provides methods such as Enqueue to add elements and Dequeue to remove elements from the queue.
To learn how to effectively manage these data structures in your Visual Basic.NET programs, refer to the following chapters. They provide detailed information and examples on how to utilize ArrayList, HashTable, Stack, and Queue within your programs: