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Java Java Objects Meet Objects Methods

John Anselmo
PLUS
John Anselmo
Courses Plus Student 2,281 Points
Posted by John Anselmo
John Anselmo
Courses Plus Student 2,281 Points

println vs printf?

I accidentally put in System.out.println("The dispenser is %s %n", dispenser.getCharacterName()); and it didn't work. I noticed my mistake and changed it to printf. So I'm just wondering what the difference is, why %s and %n work in one, but not the other, and if there are any other things like that for println vs printf.

1 Answer

Steve Hunter
Steve Hunter
57,712 Points

Hi John,

The f bit is the formatter; that's what adds the %s functionality, among others. There are numerous placeholders available, rather than just strings. Have a read here for various number options.

Steve.

Steve Hunter
Steve Hunter
57,712 Points

I don't know, in short.

There may be an overhead issue with using printf against print or println. It may be bad practice to use something with built-in functionality and then not use that functionality. It may be that some restricted systems, such as embedded systems, may not come fully-loaded and always have standardised pre-defined output, thus negating the need for printf.

But I don't know so will pass this over the the man himself ... Craig Dennis

Sorry I can't be of more use with that.

Steve.