Java Interview Question - How can we loop backward?
1. How can you loop backward in Java?
The most common and efficient way is to use a for loop starting from the last index and decrementing :
for (int i = n - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
// logic
}
2. Can you loop backward using an enhanced for loop?
No. Enhanced for Loops only support forward iteration and don’t expose an index or reverse traversal.
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3. How would you iterate backward over a List?
Using a ListIterator starting at list.size():
ListIterator<Integer> it = list.listIterator(list.size());
while (it.hasPrevious()) {
it.previous();
}
4. Why not reverse the list first and then iterate forward?
Collections.reverse() mutates the list, which can introduce side effects and bugs if the list is shared.
5. Can you do this using recursion?
Yes, but it’s not recommended due to stack overflow risk and extra memory usage.
void backward(int i) {
if (i < 0) return;
backward(i - 1);
}
6. What about using Java Streams?
It’s possible, but not ideal. Streams reduce readability for simple iteration and add unnecessary overhead.
int n = 5;
IntStream.range(0, n)
.map(i -> n - 1 - i)
.forEach(System.out::println);7. Which approach would you choose in production code?
A standard for loop for arrays or index-based lists, and ListIterator for collections where indexing isn’t ideal.
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