Programming Tips - Java: How to initialize a HashSet

Date: 2012sep23 Update: 2025sep27 Language: Java Keywords: init Q. Java: How to initialize a HashSet A. Here is a nice way to do it. Shown as a full example:
import java.util.HashSet; class Demo { static HashSet<String> shoppingList = new HashSet<>() {{ add("milk"); add("peanut butter"); add("bread"); }}; // Notice the double brackets public static final void main(String []args) { for (var entry : shoppingList) { System.out.println("entry=" + entry); } } }
Output:
entry=bread entry=peanut butter entry=milk
Some people don't like the double brace brackets because it creates an anonymous inner class. But I like it because its compact.