How to Sort Array of Strings in Java Quickly and Easily

To sort an array of strings in Java, use Arrays.sort(array) from the java.util.Arrays class. This method sorts the array in place in ascending alphabetical order.

Syntax

The syntax to sort an array of strings is simple:

• Arrays.sort(array): Sorts the given array in ascending order.

Here, array is the string array you want to sort.

java

import java.util.Arrays;

public class SortExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String[] array = {"banana", "apple", "cherry"};
        Arrays.sort(array);
    }
}

Example

This example shows how to sort an array of strings alphabetically and print the sorted array.

java

import java.util.Arrays;

public class SortStringsExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String[] fruits = {"banana", "apple", "cherry", "date"};
        Arrays.sort(fruits);
        for (String fruit : fruits) {
            System.out.println(fruit);
        }
    }
}

Output

apple
banana
cherry
date

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when sorting string arrays include:

• Trying to sort without importing java.util.Arrays.
• Expecting Arrays.sort() to return a new array (it sorts in place).
• Not handling null values in the array, which cause NullPointerException.

Always ensure the array is not null and contains no null elements before sorting.

java

import java.util.Arrays;

public class SortNullExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String[] names = {"John", null, "Alice"};
        // This will throw NullPointerException
        // Arrays.sort(names);

        // Correct approach: remove or handle nulls before sorting
        String[] filtered = Arrays.stream(names)
                                  .filter(s -> s != null)
                                  .toArray(String[]::new);
        Arrays.sort(filtered);
        for (String name : filtered) {
            System.out.println(name);
        }
    }
}

Output

Alice
John

Quick Reference

Summary tips for sorting string arrays in Java:

• Use Arrays.sort(array) to sort in ascending order.
• Sorting is done in place; the original array changes.
• Handle null values before sorting to avoid errors.
• For custom order, use Arrays.sort(array, Comparator).

Key Takeaways

Use Arrays.sort(array) to sort string arrays alphabetically in Java.

Sorting modifies the original array; no new array is created.

Always import java.util.Arrays before using sort.

Avoid null values in the array or handle them before sorting.

For custom sorting, use a Comparator with Arrays.sort.