How do you return an array object in java?

Question

How do you return an array object in Java? I have an object that has an array in it and I want to work with it in my main class:

// code that does not work
class obj()
{
  String[] name;
  public obj()
  {
    name = new string[3];
    for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++)
    {
      name[i] = scan.nextLine();
    }
  }
  public String[] getName()
  {
    return name;
  }
}

public class maincl
{

  public static void main (String[] args)
  {
    obj one = new obj();
    system.out.println(one.getName());
  }

I am sorry if the answer is simple but I am teaching myself to code and I have no idea how you would do this.

By returning an array, as your getName() method already does. — Dave Newton
– Dave Newton, Commented Apr 27, 2013 at 17:32
You say that your code don't work, could you be more accurate ? What don't work ? Have you an exception ? — Thierry
– Thierry, Commented Apr 27, 2013 at 17:33
Please note that in Java, all class names should start with a capital letter. So obj should be Obj, or preferably a more descriptive name. The same is true for maincl. — Duncan Jones
– Duncan Jones, Commented Apr 27, 2013 at 17:49

Gilles 'SO- stop being evil' · Accepted Answer · 2013-04-27 17:49:57Z

2

You have to use the toString method.

System.out.println(Arrays.toString(one.getName()));

toString is a built-in function in Java (it might need library import; if you are using Netbeans, it will suggest it).

edited Apr 27, 2013 at 17:49

Gilles 'SO- stop being evil'

109k38 gold badges217 silver badges263 bronze badges

answered Apr 27, 2013 at 17:35

remi yazigi

851 silver badge11 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

2 Comments

Duncan Jones Over a year ago

Yes, but the output would be ugly (e.g. [foo, bar, baz]).

user2246843 Over a year ago

ok, I usually use import java.util.*; I will see if that takes care of this

user93353 · Accepted Answer · 2013-04-27 17:32:21Z

1

If the problem is to print it use

System.out.println(Arrays.toString(one.getName()));

//note System, not system

edited Apr 27, 2013 at 17:32

user93353

14.1k8 gold badges64 silver badges128 bronze badges

answered Apr 27, 2013 at 17:31

RiaD

47.8k12 gold badges85 silver badges128 bronze badges

Comments

vishakvkt · Accepted Answer · 2013-04-27 17:39:15Z

1

When you do getName() you are returning a reference to an array of strings, not the strings themselves. In order to access the individual strings entered, you can use the array index String enteredName = name[index] format.

From your program, it looks like you want to print each item entered. For that, you could use a method like the following

  public void printName() {
      // for each item in the list of time
      for(String enteredName : name) {

        // print that entry
        System.out.println(enteredName);
      }
  }

answered Apr 27, 2013 at 17:39

vishakvkt

8646 silver badges7 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How do you return an array object in java?

3 Answers 3

2 Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

2 Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related