Converting Characters to Strings in Java

In Java programming, it is occasionally necessary to convert a character (char) to a string (String). This conversion can be straightforward, utilizing methods and shortcuts to achieve the desired result.

Using Character.toString(char)

One method to convert a character to a string is through the Character.toString(char) method. This method takes a character as input and returns a corresponding string.

char myChar = 'a';
String myString = Character.toString(myChar); // myString now holds "a"

Using String Concatenation

Alternatively, string concatenation can be used as a shortcut to perform the conversion.

String myString = ""   myChar; // myString now holds "a"

However, note that this method results in a more complex compilation process, introducing less efficient steps compared to using Character.toString(char).

Avoiding Array Allocations

To optimize performance and avoid unnecessary array allocations, it is recommended to use String.valueOf(char) instead of string concatenation.

String myString = String.valueOf(myChar); // myString now holds "a"

This method internally wraps the character in a single-element array and passes it to a private constructor, bypassing the need for array copying, which enhances efficiency.