Bubble Sort Example in Java

Introduction

Bubble Sort is a classic Java console program that demonstrates the concept with complete source code and sample output. Sorting algorithms arrange data in order — bubble, selection, merge, quick and heap sort.

This tutorial walks through the program line by line, explains how the logic works, and highlights best practices you can apply in your own code.

Definition

Bubble sort, sometimes referred to as sinking sort, is a simple sorting algorithm that repeatedly steps through the list to be sorted, compares each pair of adjacent items and swaps them if they are in the wrong order. The pass through the list is repeated until no swaps are needed, which indicates that the list is sorted. It can be practical if the input is usually in sort order but may occasionally have some out-of-order elements nearly in position.

Bubble Sort Example Program

import java.util.Scanner;
class BubbleSort {
	public static void main(String []args) {
    int num,swap;
    Scanner in = new Scanner(System.in);
    System.out.println("How many numbers are to be sorted:");
    num = in.nextInt();
    int array[] = new int[num];
    System.out.println("Enter " + num + " integers");
    for (int i = 0; i < num; i++){
		array[i] = in.nextInt();
		for (int i = 0; i < ( num - 1 ); i++) {
			for (int j = 0; j < num - i - 1; j++) {
				if (array[j] > array[j+1]){
					swap       = array[j];
					array[j]   = array[j+1];
					array[j+1] = swap;
				}
			}
		}
	}
    System.out.println("After sorting: ");
    for (int i = 0; i < num; i++){
		System.out.println(array[i]);
	}
	}
}

Sample Output

How many numbers are to be sorted:
7
Enter 7 integers
34
67
32
78
945
1111
2
After sorting:
2
32
34
67
78
945
1111

When to use

Use this bubble sort example when learning or revising core Java syntax.

How it works

1. Execution begins in the main method — the JVM calls this method when you run the class.

2. import java.util.Scanner; imports a class used later in the program.

3. A Scanner reads typed input from the keyboard (System.in).

4. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

5. num = in.nextInt(); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

6. int array[] = new int[num]; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

7. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

8. The if statement runs the nested code only when the condition is true.

Best Practices

Common Mistakes