Type List vs type ArrayList in Java?

Question

(1) List<?> myList = new ArrayList<?>(); (2) ArrayList<?> myList = new ArrayList<?>(); I understand that with (1), implementations of the List interface can be swapped. It seems that (1) is typically used in an application regardless of need (myself I always use this). I am wondering if anyone uses (2)? Also, how often (and can I please get an example) does the situation actually require using (1) over (2) (i.e. where (2) wouldn't suffice, aside from coding to interfaces and best practices etc.)

Answer 1

If you can always make do with (2) there is no situation that will require you to use (1). That said, I would never use (2) for the reasons you've already outlined.