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Remove all occurrences of char from string

java
string-manipulation
java-8-features
string-builder
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton Shumikhin·Sep 4, 2024
TLDR

To replace() a character from a string in Java, you can simply use the example below:

String result = "example".replace("e", ""); // result: "xampl"

Doing this will effectively erase all instances of the given character in the string—kind of like the time I "erased" all my savings buying that Tesla.

Just the right choice: choosing the suitable method

Different methods for different needs

Determining the appropriate method to employ largely hinges on your specific needs:

  • String's replace(): Quite handy for straight-to-the-point character excision.
  • replaceAll() with regex: Useful when you need to perform a grain surgery on complex patterns.
  • StringUtils.remove(): A relevant method, quite the muscle guy in the Apache Commons Lang library.
  • StringBuilder: The go-to guy when working in a loop, or appending characters frequently.

Regular expressions: a double-edged sword

Operating with regular expressions has its pros and cons:

  • Have your regex patterns pre-compile their own workout plans if you're using them inside a loop.
  • replaceAll() might bring along extra MS Excel-calculations-level processing power just to get the job done.

How StringBuilder plays its game

When dealing with long strings or multiple modifications, consider having StringBuilder on your team:

StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder("example"); for (int i = 0; i < sb.length(); i++) { if (sb.charAt(i) == 'e') { sb.deleteCharAt(i--); // "Zap! e's gone!" } } String result = sb.toString(); // result: "xampl"

This approach can be faster than a cheetah with a jetpack, mostly because it avoids creating new String objects faster than I can find my keys in the morning.

Java 8: The Next Generation

Learn to leverage Java 8's streams and lambdas for transformations, similar to a Decepticon, but with subtler overhead:

String result = "example".chars() .filter(c -> c != 'e') // filtering characters like picking out raisins from your cookies .collect(StringBuilder::new, StringBuilder::appendCodePoint, StringBuilder::append) .toString(); // result: "xampl"

Advanced tactics and trouble spots

Guarding against gotchas

As straightforward as string manipulation might seem, be ready for these potential issues:

  • Character encoding: Verify the correct encoding of your string for a smooth operation.
  • Escape sequences in regex: Remember to ditch special characters properly to avoid inviting them to the replaceAll() party.
  • Concurrent modification: Understand implications on indices or ordering when altering strings within a loop or stream.

Going rogue: the split and join strategy

When the situation calls for it, wield the Split-Join Jutsu:

String[] parts = "example".split("e"); // Performing a "surgical removal" on 'e' String result = String.join("", parts); // Stitching it back together, 'e'-less. // result: "xampl"

This tactic slices up the string around the target character and glues the others back together, effectively removing sightings of the targeted character.