java - Insert dynamic data into 2D array of strings -

i trying make catalog shop. have 2d array:

string childelements[][] = new string[][];

i want add data array. data array:

arraylist<string> names = new arraylist<string>();

names can vary depending on input get.

for example if furniture store, categories tables, chairs etc.

i have categories stored in array like:

string groupelements[] = {"tables", "chairs"};

and names contains: {"wood", "metal", "4-seater", "6-seater"}

so, want childelements array reflect like:

childelements = ["chairs"]["wood", "metal"]                 ["tables"]["4-seater"]["6-seater"] 

so how insert data serve needs?

i stick array of arrays , not go list or hashmap architecture depends on that.

as @dude suggested use hashmap, organise things easier. in case category key , value array.

    // create map store     map<string, list<string>> map = new hashmap<string, list<string>>();       // create list 1 , store values     list<string> chairs = new arraylist<string>();     chairs.add("wood");     chairs.add("metal");      // create list 2 , store values     list<string> tables = new arraylist<string>();     tables.add("4-seater");     tables.add("6-seater");      // put values map     map.put("chairs", chairs);     map.put("tables", tables);      // iterate , display values     system.out.println("fetching keys , corresponding [multiple] values");     (map.entry<string, list<string>> entry : map.entryset()) {         string key = entry.getkey();         list<string> values = entry.getvalue();         system.out.println("key = " + key);         system.out.println("values = " + values);     }