when to use Set vs. Collection?

Question

Is there any practical difference between a Set and Collection in Java, besides the fact that a Collection can include the same elemen

Answer 1

As Collection is a super type of Set and SortedSet these can be passed to a method which expects a Collection. Collection just means it may or may not be sorted, order or allow duplicates.

Answer 2

You should use a Set when that is what you want.

For example, a List without any order or duplicates. Methods like contains are quite useful.

A collection is much more generic. I believe that what mmyers wrote on their usage says it all.