Java LinkedList getLast() Method

The LinkedList.getLast() method in Java is used to retrieve, but not remove, the last element of a LinkedList. This guide will cover the method’s usage, explain how it works, and provide examples to demonstrate its functionality.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. getLast Method Syntax
3. Examples
   • Retrieving the Last Element
   • Handling NoSuchElementException
4. Conclusion

Introduction

The LinkedList.getLast() method is a member of the LinkedList class in Java. It allows you to access the last element of the LinkedList without removing it. This method is particularly useful for peek operations in deque-like structures.

getLast Method Syntax

The syntax for the getLast method is as follows:

public E getLast()

• Returns: The last element in this list.
• Throws: NoSuchElementException if the list is empty.

Examples

Retrieving the Last Element

The getLast method can be used to retrieve the last element of a LinkedList.

Example

import java.util.LinkedList;

public class GetLastExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Creating a LinkedList of Strings
        LinkedList<String> list = new LinkedList<>();

        // Adding elements to the LinkedList
        list.add("Apple");
        list.add("Banana");
        list.add("Orange");

        // Retrieving the last element using getLast() method
        String lastElement = list.getLast();

        // Printing the last element
        System.out.println("Last element: " + lastElement);
    }
}

Output:

Last element: Orange

Handling NoSuchElementException

If the LinkedList is empty, the getLast method throws a NoSuchElementException. It is important to handle this exception to avoid runtime errors.

Example

import java.util.LinkedList;
import java.util.NoSuchElementException;

public class GetLastExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Creating an empty LinkedList of Strings
        LinkedList<String> list = new LinkedList<>();

        try {
            // Attempting to retrieve the last element from an empty list
            String lastElement = list.getLast();
            System.out.println("Last element: " + lastElement);
        } catch (NoSuchElementException e) {
            System.out.println("Exception: The list is empty.");
        }
    }
}

Output:

Exception: The list is empty.

Conclusion

The LinkedList.getLast() method in Java provides a way to retrieve, but not remove, the last element of a LinkedList. By understanding how to use this method, you can efficiently access the last element in your Java applications without modifying the list. Handling the potential NoSuchElementException ensures your code remains robust and error-free when dealing with empty lists.