Java String Split with Multiple characters

Question

I want to split a Java string:

"[1,2,3,4,5]"

So I have an array that only has the integers

Without the ", [ ]"

I tried

String[] test = x.split("(, )|(\\[\\)|(\\]\\)");

Which I found in another thread but it does not work properly. It keeps an empty string in test[0].

What does 'without the ",[ ]"' mean? I thought you wanted an array. — RaminS
– RaminS, Commented Apr 21, 2016 at 14:45

Rion Williams · Accepted Answer · 2016-04-21 14:49:37Z

5

The easiest approach in this case seems that it would be to just replace the square brace characters [ and ] (via a replace() or replaceAll() call) and then perform your split() function using :

// Replace the square braces and then split using a comma
String[] output = input.replace("[", "").replace("]", "").split(",");

or :

// Replace the square braces and then split using a comma
String[] output = input.replaceAll("\\[|\\]", "").split(",");

edited Apr 21, 2016 at 14:49

answered Apr 21, 2016 at 14:47

Rion Williams

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4 Comments

Wiktor Stribiżew Over a year ago

Oh, it can even be String[] test = x.substring(1, x.length()-1).split(",");

Andreas Over a year ago

You can also parse it as a JSON Array. Bit of an overkill to add a JSON parser to the classpath just for this, but if you already have one, might as well use it.

Rion Williams Over a year ago

@Wiktor and @Andreas, Both solid options, I went with the replace() / split() approach as it seemed the easiest to read for OP's purposes and for questions aimed at those just getting started (which I think this qualifies), I think readability is key.

Nicolas Filotto Over a year ago

In term of performance, the first option is clearly the best as you don't use any regex this way

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