How to Dynamically Create and Add Objects in Java with Scanner

Learn how to utilize Java's `Scanner` to input object names and manipulate them within your program. Enhance your Java skills with this step-by-step guide!
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How to Dynamically Create and Add Objects in Java with Scanner

Programming often involves managing objects, and while Java makes it easy to create them statically, what if you want to dynamically create or add these objects based on user input? Many developers encounter this challenge, especially when trying to utilize Java's Scanner class for console input. In this post, we’ll explore how to properly manage this situation, providing a clear and practical solution to your inquiry.

The Challenge

Imagine you have a class called Person, and you’ve created several instances of this class, like p1, p2, and p3. Furthermore, you want to let the user specify which of these objects to add to an ArrayList through the console. The catch? You can't directly use user input to refer to an existing variable like p3. Instead, you need to find a way to achieve a similar outcome—accepting a name input and creating the object accordingly.

Example Setup

Here's a simplified version of your initial code structure:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution

To dynamically add a person based on user input, you need to collect information from the user and create a new object as demonstrated below. This involves creating a new Person instance with the entered attributes. Here's how you can do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Modify Your Input Handling

Instead of expecting to retrieve an instance directly, ask for the properties (e.g., name, ID) that will make up the Person object you want to create.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Capture and Use User Input

Create the Object: Use the collected inputs to instantiate a new Person object.

Conclusion

By following this method, you can achieve the functionality desired in your original query about adding a Person object based on user input. Rather than trying to reference existing variables directly, you create a flexible solution that allows for dynamic object creation based on user specification. This not only addresses the immediate need but also improves code maintainability and expands the program's capabilities.

Feel free to explore more ways to enhance your classes and user interaction in Java! If you have questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.