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Java Java Data Structures - Retired Exploring the Java Collection Framework Maps

Posted by Kristian Terziev
Kristian Terziev
28,449 Points

What is the problem with "println" when using Maps?

So as I work along with Craig, I got to the point where we print how many times has each hash tag been used. He used the "printf" command and I figured he'll be using the %n so I went ahead and used "println" instead so I wouldn't write the special symbol (not that I care, I just thought I'll do it that way). And boom and error - said that "no suitable method found for println(String,Map<String,Integer>)"

So I changed it back to "printf" and the %n and it worked just fine. So I was wondering what's the problem and which of the two commands is used more and "is better".

Would appreciate some input Craig Dennis

4 Answers

jrabello
jrabello
17,917 Points
jrabello
jrabello
17,917 Points

I have no strong java background but I can tell you something about printf

printf function comes originally from C language, and has the following prototype:

int printf ( const char * format, ... );

That means that printf expects as the first argument an string that is parsed, so you know how many arguments to expect, example:

printf("%s %s",myString,myString2);
printf("%s %s %d",myString,myString2,mySingedInteger);
Craig Dennis
STAFF
Craig Dennis
Treehouse Teacher
Craig Dennis
Craig Dennis
Treehouse Teacher

As jrabello stated, println doesn't allow substitution as it just takes one parameter. Use printf when you are printing formatted text.

Make sense?

Kristian Terziev
Kristian Terziev
28,449 Points
Kristian Terziev
Kristian Terziev
28,449 Points

Thanks you both for the answers. I understand it now :smile:

Michael Acosta Pegoraro
Michael Acosta Pegoraro
4,911 Points
Michael Acosta Pegoraro
Michael Acosta Pegoraro
4,911 Points

This means that printf cannot take methods/functions inside the parameter and println can right? or I'm wrong?