title: How to initialize a static array?
body: <p>I have seen different approaches to define a static array in Java.  Either:</p>
  
  <pre><code>String[] suit = new String[] {
    "spades", 
    "hearts", 
    "diamonds", 
    "clubs"  
  };
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>...or only</p>
  
  <pre><code>String[] suit = {
    "spades", 
    "hearts", 
    "diamonds", 
    "clubs"  
  };
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>or as a <code>List</code></p>
  
  <pre><code>List suit = Arrays.asList(
    "spades", 
    "hearts", 
    "diamonds", 
    "clubs"  
  );
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Is there a difference (except for the List definition of course)?</p>
  
  <p>What is the better way (performance wise)?</p>