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Java Java Basics Getting Started with Java Strings, Variables, and Formatting

Gina LaFontaine
Gina LaFontaine
51 Points
Posted by Gina LaFontaine
Gina LaFontaine
51 Points

How do I add a string formatter to my console.printf code?

I am a beginning and I'm already stuck. Could use some advice on how to add a string formatter to my code.

Name.java 
// I have setup a java.io.Console object for you named console
String firstName = ("Gina");
console.printf("firstName can code in Java");

3 Answers

dmzstudio45
dmzstudio45
43,976 Points
dmzstudio45
dmzstudio45
43,976 Points

Yes, that's another way to do it. You can put in a % for each variable you want to insert, and then add the names of each variable at the end. Both methods will work. I noticed that you just started today, so I'd say you're doing quite well for your first day. :D

dmzstudio45
dmzstudio45
43,976 Points
dmzstudio45
dmzstudio45
43,976 Points

This link has a more detailed explanation of this topic.

https://teamtreehouse.com/community/difference-between-systemoutprintf-and-systemoutprintln

dmzstudio45
dmzstudio45
43,976 Points
dmzstudio45
dmzstudio45
43,976 Points

Hi Gina,

in your print statement, you want the value stored in the firstName variable to print, but right now you are just printing firstName instead of the value stored, which should be your name.

The way to make that work is using "concatenation".

For example, my name is David, so the value stored in firstName is David.

So: console.printf(firstName) will print: David.

Then, if I want to print the rest of the message, I have to combine the value David with the string " can code in Java!".

console.printf(firstName + " can code in Java!");

See what I did there? The "+" will combine the two different things together into one string.

Gina LaFontaine
Gina LaFontaine
51 Points
Gina LaFontaine
Gina LaFontaine
51 Points

Thanks so much David. I finally got it to work. The answer the quiz wanted from me was console.printf("%s can code in Java", firstName); And as I'm retyping this to you, my guess is I've made another syntax mistake. But whatever I did type thankfully worked and I was able to finish my first coding quiz. It's all clear as mud right now, but hopefully it will eventually start making sense. : )

Thanks again.