Initializing array with values - should I explicitly instance the class or not?

Question

I often see arrays being initialized like this:

String[] array = new String[] { \"foo\", \"bar\", \"baz\" };

But reading the Language Basic

Answer 1

Since arrays are intended to be mutable, it makes sense that each one is a new instance

String[] array1 = { "foo", "bar", "baz" };
String[] array2 = { "foo", "bar", "baz" };

i.e. modifying array1 won't affect array2.

Answer 2

Is there any difference between these?

There is no difference in the end result. However, as per the JLS § 10.6, you cannot use the array initializer synax in every context.

An array initializer may be specified in a declaration (§8.3, §9.3, §14.4), or as part of an array creation expression (§15.10), to create an array and provide some initial values.

Answer 3

The two methods are equivalent. Note, however, that the concise syntax can only be used in variable declarations. Outside variable declarations you have to use the verbose syntax:

    String[] array;
    array = new String[] { "foo", "bar", "baz" }; // OK

    String[] array2;
    array2 = { "foo", "bar", "baz" };             // ERROR

For further discussion, see this answer.