What actions occur in memory when an element is removed from an array?

In Java, arrays have a fixed size, so when removing an element from an array, you cannot simply 'delete' a memory cell. Instead, the usual process is:

1. Create a new array of smaller size (one element less).
2. Copy all elements except the one to be removed from the old array to the new array.
3. Replace the reference to the old array with a reference to the new array.

The old array remains in memory as long as there are references to it, after which it will be cleaned up by the garbage collector.

From a low-level perspective:

• The memory allocated for the old array does not change.
• The new array is allocated in a different memory area.
• Copying elements is an operation of copying values into the new area.

Example code:

int[] oldArray = {1, 2, 3, 4};
int removeIndex = 2; // remove element at index 2 (number 3)

int[] newArray = new int[oldArray.length - 1];
for (int i = 0, j = 0; i < oldArray.length; i++) {
    if (i != removeIndex) {
        newArray[j++] = oldArray[i];
    }
}
oldArray = newArray; // now oldArray points to the new array without the removed element

Thus, removing an element from an array in Java involves creating a new array and copying data without the removed element.