What is a limitation of an ArrayList compared to an array?

An ArrayList is a flexible data structure that allows for dynamic sizing and convenient manipulation of its elements compared to a traditional array. However, one limitation of ArrayLists is that they cannot be multi-dimensional in the same way that arrays can. While you can simulate multi-dimensional behavior with an ArrayList by using a list of lists, it does not provide true multi-dimensional functionality as native arrays do.

On the other hand, arrays can be defined with multiple dimensions directly, allowing for structures such as a two-dimensional matrix with straightforward indexing. This capability is essential for certain applications that require matrix operations or similar data storage methods that benefit from true multi-dimensional indexing.

Thus, while an ArrayList offers more flexibility in size and ease of use, it lacks the inherent multi-dimensional structure that arrays provide, which is a significant consideration when choosing between the two for certain programming tasks.