How to find the smallest number in an array in Java?

April 16, 2021

To find the smallest number in an array in Java, call the Stream.min method, then getAsInt.

1. With streams

The shortest way is to use streams:

int[] array = new int[] { 400, 55, 3, 90 };

int min = Arrays.stream(array).min().getAsInt();

System.out.println(min); // 3

2. With a loop

Another way is to use a plain for loop:

int[] array = new int[] { 400, 55, 3, 90 };
int min = Integer.MAX_VALUE;

for (int i = 0; i < array.length; i++) {
  if (array[i] < min) {
    min = array[i];
  }
}

System.out.println(min); // 3