Why Does Java\'s Array `toString()` Method Return Gibberish?

Why Java's Array toString() Returns Gibberish

When attempting to convert a character array to a string in Java using the toString() method, users may encounter unpredictable results, displaying seemingly random characters instead of the expected array elements.

The explanation for this behavior lies in the implementation of the toString() method for arrays in Java. Instead of providing a human-readable representation, it prints the following information:

• A square bracket [
• A character denoting the element type (C for char)
• The "identity hash code" of the array (a unique identifier for memory location)

For example, if a character array named Array contains the elements {'a', 'b', 'c'}, toString() will return either [C@e53108 or [C@6e1408.

To obtain the desired result, the Arrays.toString() method should be used instead. Here's an updated code snippet:

System.out.println(Arrays.toString(Array));

This method provides a human-readable representation of the array, displaying its elements as a string.

The toString() method for arrays in Java is often considered a "mistake" due to its unintuitive behavior. By understanding the underlying implementation, users can avoid confusion and utilize Arrays.toString() to obtain the desired output.

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