How to convert int[] to byte[]

I have an array of integers which represent a RGB image and would like to convert it to a byte array and save it to a file.

What's the best way to convert an array of integers to the array of bytes in Java?

Solution 1:

As Brian says, you need to work out how what sort of conversion you need.

Do you want to save it as a "normal" image file (jpg, png etc)?

If so, you should probably use the Java Image I/O API.

If you want to save it in a "raw" format, the order in which to write the bytes must be specified, and then use an IntBuffer and NIO.

As an example of using a ByteBuffer/IntBuffer combination:

import java.nio.*;
import java.net.*;

class Test
{   
    public static void main(String [] args)
        throws Exception // Just for simplicity!
    {
        int[] data = { 100, 200, 300, 400 };

        ByteBuffer byteBuffer = ByteBuffer.allocate(data.length * 4);        
        IntBuffer intBuffer = byteBuffer.asIntBuffer();
        intBuffer.put(data);

        byte[] array = byteBuffer.array();

        for (int i=0; i < array.length; i++)
        {
            System.out.println(i + ": " + array[i]);
        }
    }
}

Solution 2:

Maybe use this method

byte[] integersToBytes(int[] values)
{
   ByteArrayOutputStream baos = new ByteArrayOutputStream();
   DataOutputStream dos = new DataOutputStream(baos);
   for(int i=0; i < values.length; ++i)
   {
        dos.writeInt(values[i]);
   }

   return baos.toByteArray();
}