The System.arraycopy Functionality and copying array question

Question

When created arrays such as String[] myStringArray (for example), is it general good practice to use the System.arraycopy function to copy the array?
Why isn't it good practice to use equal instead? Would this work just as well?
String[] myStringArray = new String[] { "My", " Test"};
String[] myStringArrayCopy = new String[myStringArray.length};
myStringArrayCopy = myStringArrayCopy;Or is that just going to make them the same element in memory and if I change myStringArray in antoher part of the program that means myStringArrayCopy will change as well since it is the same thing?

Answer 1

Youre right, the equals sign just assigns the new array same reference in memory as the old array so they are pointing to the same data.
Im 90% sure of that.
If you want to work with an array without changing the original array id suggest using the System.arraycopy method. If you dont mind the contents changing then use the = sign..(but then why use a new array at all?)
Hope this helps, if not theres loads of more experienced people on the boards...
Ocelot