ArrayList listIterator() Method in Java

Last Updated : 22 Jul, 2026

The listIterator() method of the ArrayList class returns a ListIterator that allows traversing the elements of an ArrayList in both forward and backward directions. Unlike a normal Iterator, a ListIterator also supports adding, removing, and modifying elements during iteration.

  • Supports both forward and backward traversal.
  • Allows adding, updating, and removing elements while iterating.
Java 
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.ListIterator;

public class GFG {
    public static void main(String[] args) {

        // Create an ArrayList
        ArrayList<String> fruits = new ArrayList<>();

        fruits.add("Apple");
        fruits.add("Banana");
        fruits.add("Mango");

        // Obtain a ListIterator
        ListIterator<String> itr = fruits.listIterator();

        System.out.println("Forward Traversal:");

        while (itr.hasNext()) {
            System.out.println(itr.next());
        }
    }
}

Output
Forward Traversal:
Apple
Banana
Mango

Explanation: In the above example, listIterator() returns a ListIterator positioned at the beginning of the ArrayList. The hasNext() and next() methods are used to traverse all elements in forward order.

Syntax

public ListIterator<E> listIterator()
public ListIterator<E> listIterator(int index)

  • Parameters: index: Specifies the starting position of the iterator.
  • Return Value: Returns a ListIterator for traversing the elements of the ArrayList.
  • Exception: IndexOutOfBoundsException: Thrown if the specified index is less than 0 or greater than the size of the list.

Example: Starting Iteration from a Specific Index

Java 
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.ListIterator;

public class GFG {
    public static void main(String[] args) {

        // Create an ArrayList
        ArrayList<String> colors = new ArrayList<>();

        colors.add("Red");
        colors.add("Green");
        colors.add("Blue");
        colors.add("Yellow");

        // Start iteration from index 2
        ListIterator<String> itr = colors.listIterator(2);

        while (itr.hasNext()) {
            System.out.println(itr.next());
        }
    }
}

Output
Blue
Yellow

Explanation: The iterator starts from index 2, so only the elements from index 2 onward are traversed.

Example: Traversing in Both Directions

Java 
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.ListIterator;

public class GFG {
    public static void main(String[] args) {

        // Create an ArrayList
        ArrayList<String> cities = new ArrayList<>();

        cities.add("Delhi");
        cities.add("Mumbai");
        cities.add("Chennai");

        ListIterator<String> itr = cities.listIterator();

        // Forward traversal
        while (itr.hasNext()) {
            System.out.println(itr.next());
        }

        System.out.println("Backward Traversal:");

        // Backward traversal
        while (itr.hasPrevious()) {
            System.out.println(itr.previous());
        }
    }
}

Output
Delhi
Mumbai
Chennai
Backward Traversal:
Chennai
Mumbai
Delhi

Explanation: Unlike a normal Iterator, a ListIterator can move in both directions using next() and previous().

Difference Between Iterator and ListIterator

IteratorListIterator
Traverses only in the forward direction.Traverses in both forward and backward directions.
Supports next() and remove().Supports next(), previous(), add(), set(), and remove().
Works with all Collection types.Works only with List implementations.
Cannot obtain the previous element.Can access both previous and next elements.

Advantages of listIterator() Method

  • Supports both forward and backward traversal.
  • Can start iteration from any valid index.
  • Allows adding, updating, and removing elements during iteration.
  • Useful for bidirectional navigation of list elements.
  • Provides more functionality than a standard Iterator.
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