Can you store multiple string values under the same key in a map?

Storing Multiple Strings in a Map

In programming, using a dictionary or map is a common way to store key-value pairs. Typically, a map associates a key with a single value. However, some scenarios require storing multiple string values associated with the same key. Let's explore whether this is possible in a map.

Is it Possible to Store Multiple String Values in a Map?

Unfortunately, it's not directly possible to store more than one string value for the same key in a standard map. Maps are designed to be collections of unique key-value pairs, where each key is associated with a single value.

Alternative Solution: Using an Object

Instead of trying to store multiple strings in a map, the recommended solution is to create a custom object that represents the data you want to store. In this case, you could create a ContactInformation object that contains properties for number, name, address, and phone. Then, you can store the ContactInformation object as the value in the map.

For example:

<code class="java">public class ContactInformation {
    private String number;
    private String name;
    private String address;
    private String phone;

    // Constructor, getters, and setters
}

Map<String, ContactInformation> contactMap = new HashMap<>();</code>

By using an object to represent the multiple string values, you can effectively store and retrieve the data associated with each key in the map.

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