How do I load a JComboBox with values from an Array or ArrayList?

Question

I need to put the following array into a JComboBox and then store the selected value when the "Submit" button is clicked.

    listOfDepartments = new String[5];
    listOfDepartments[0] = "Mens Clothing";
    listOfDepartments[1] = "Womens Clothing";
    listOfDepartments[2] = "Childrens Clothing";
    listOfDepartments[3] = "Electronics";
    listOfDepartments[4] = "Toys";

    //Department: ComboBox that loads from array

    // Store values
    JButton buttonSubmit = new JButton();
    buttonSubmit.setText("Submit");
    container.add(buttonSubmit);

     buttonSubmit.addActionListener(new ActionListener() {
        @Override
        public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent evt) {
        //store value from combobox in a variable
        }
    });

Answer 1

First, create a model...

DefaultComboBoxModel model = new DefaultComboBoxModel(listOfDepartments);
comboBox.setModel(model);

Second, get the selected value when the actionPerformed event is raised...

String value = (String)comboBox.getSelectedItem();

Take a look at How to Use Combo Boxes for more details.