Arrays.toString

Learn to print arrays with Arrays.toString.

Printing arrays: Arrays.toString

If you print an array directly with System.out.println, Java shows a meaningless address like [I@1b6d3586. Instead, Arrays.toString turns the array into readable text.

int[] nums = {3, 1, 2};
System.out.println(Arrays.toString(nums));
// [3, 1, 2]

The method returns a String, so you can use it inside println comfortably. The output is wrapped in square brackets and elements are separated by commas.

Formatting the array text

The output of Arrays.toString always has the same shape: square brackets, elements separated by comma and space. You can also use it in String concatenation.

String[] names = {"Ayşe", "Mehmet"};
String text = "Guests: " + Arrays.toString(names);
// Guests: [Ayşe, Mehmet]

For nested arrays you use Arrays.deepToString; it also shows multi-dimensional structures neatly. For one-dimensional arrays toString is enough.

Exercise Print the week temperatures

Print the given temperature array on one line using Arrays.toString; then print the lowest temperature on a separate line.

Show example solution

System.out.println(Arrays.toString(temps));
Arrays.sort(temps);
System.out.println(temps[0]);

Test yourself

Fill in the blank: print the array

int[] nums = {3, 1, 2};
System.out.println(____);

Show answer

int[] nums = {3, 1, 2};
System.out.println(Arrays.toString(nums));

What does Arrays.toString(new int[]{3, 1, 2}) return?
```
Arrays.toString(new int[]{3, 1, 2})
```
- "{3, 1, 2}"
- "312"
- "[3, 1, 2]"
- void; it prints directly to the console
Show answer

"{3, 1, 2}" — The method returns elements in square brackets separated by commas.
Match input to output

{3, 1, 2}

[3, 1, 2]
{10}

[10]
{}

[]
{"a", "b"}

[a, b]

Next lesson: Arrays.binarySearch

We Are Enhancing Your Experience

Cookie Preferences

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Analytical Cookies