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Java Strings

A String is a type that holds text. The text of a string sits inside double quotes.

Print a string

The variable holds text in double quotes. The print line shows the text without the quotes.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    String city = "Oslo";
    System.out.println(city);
  }
}

Join strings with +

The + operator joins the parts into one line. A space sits between the two values in the join.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    String greeting = "Hello";
    String name = "Ada";
    System.out.println(greeting + " " + name);
  }
}

Join order changes the result

Text at the start pulls later numbers into the join as text. Numbers at the start add up before the text arrives.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    System.out.println("10" + 20 + 30);
    System.out.println(10 + 20 + "30");
  }
}

A quote inside text

A backslash marks the quote as part of the text. The text ends at the final quote without a backslash.

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    String line = "She said \"hello\" today.";
    System.out.println(line);
  }
}

Example

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    String firstName = "Mia";
    String lastName = "Chen";
    String fullName = firstName + " " + lastName;
    System.out.println(fullName);
    System.out.println(fullName + " is here.");
  }
}

Key points

  • A String variable holds text.
  • Double quotes mark the start and the end of the text.
  • The + operator joins values into one longer string.
  • Values in a join are handled from left to right.
  • A backslash before a double quote puts that quote inside the text.
  • The == operator compares whether two variables hold the same object, so text compares with equals.

In this example, firstName holds Mia and lastName holds Chen. The join builds fullName with a space between the parts. The print lines show the full name on its own and inside a sentence.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Programiz Java Compiler

Exercise

What does "10" + 20 + 30 print?