Finding the second smallest integer in array

Question

We are required in our assignment to find the second smallest integer in one array recursively. However, for the sake of understanding the subject more, I want to do it iter

Answer 1

public static int findSecondSmallest(int[] elements) {
    if (elements == null || elements.length < 2) {
        throw new IllegalArgumentException();
    } 
    int smallest = elements[0]; 
    int secondSmallest = elements[0]; 
    for (int i = 1; i < elements.length; i++) {
        if (elements[i] < smallest) {
            secondSmallest = smallest;
            smallest = elements[i];
        } 
        else if (elements[i] < secondSmallest) {
            secondSmallest = elements[i];
        }
    }
    return secondSmallest;
}