When Should You Use `new String(...)` in Java?

The Enigma of "new String(...)" in Java

While studying Java code samples, you may encounter an intriguing syntax: assigning a String constant to a String object using the "new" operator. This unconventional approach differs from the more common method of assigning a String constant directly, as shown below:

String s = new String("Hello World");

versus

s = "Hello World";

Intrigued by this enigmatic syntax, you delve into its purpose and potential implications.

Purpose of "new String(...)"

The "new String(...)" constructor initializes a String object with a copy of the argument string. This is not typically necessary, as Strings are immutable and therefore their contents never change. However, in specific scenarios, it may be beneficial:

• Force a distinct copy: In cases where the underlying character array of a String might later be modified, creating a separate copy can prevent unintentional modifications to the original.

Pitfalls of "new String(...)"

Unfortunately, the behavior of "new String(String)" is implementation-dependent and undocumented. This can lead to unexpected results and potential pitfalls when manipulating Strings.

Recommendation

To ensure implementation-agnostic behavior, it is recommended to use "toCharArray()" when creating a copy of a String's character array:

String copy = new String(original.toCharArray());

This alternative method ensures a distinct copy of the character array is created, avoiding any unexpected surprises associated with "new String(...)".

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