Java String endsWith Method

The endsWith method in Java is a part of the String class and provides a simple and effective way to determine if a specific String ends with a given suffix. This method is essential in various programming tasks, including validating file extensions, checking URL formats, and manipulating text. Understanding how to properly use this method will improve your overall string handling skills in Java.

I. Introduction

The endsWith method checks whether a string ends with a specified suffix.

By utilizing this method, developers can easily perform checks on strings that are critical for ensuring data integrity and correctness throughout their applications.

II. Syntax

The syntax of the endsWith method is straightforward:

public boolean endsWith(String suffix)

A. Explanation of the method syntax

This method returns a boolean value:

true if the string ends with the specified suffix.
false otherwise.

B. Parameters and return value

Parameter	Description
suffix	The string that is to be checked as a suffix of the calling string.

Return Value: boolean (true or false)

III. Description

The endsWith method examines the ending section of a given string. When invoked, it will check if the specified suffix matches the ending of the string, performing this operation in a case-sensitive manner.

A. How the endsWith method works

The method performs a straightforward comparison between the end of the string and the provided suffix. It does not modify the original string but returns an indication of whether the suffix matches.

B. Overview of expected behavior with different inputs

Case	Input String	Suffix	Output
1	document.pdf	.pdf	true
2	image.jpeg	.png	false
3	MyWebsite.html	html	false
4	HelloWorld!	!	true

IV. Example

Let’s look at a sample code snippet that demonstrates the usage of the endsWith method:


public class EndsWithExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String fileName = "report.docx";
        String fileSuffix = ".docx";

        // Check if the file name ends with the specified suffix
        boolean result = fileName.endsWith(fileSuffix);

        // Print the result
        System.out.println("Does the file name \"" + fileName + "\" end with \"" + fileSuffix + "\"? " + result);
    }
}

In this example, we define a string representing a file name and a suffix representing the file extension. The endsWith method checks if the file name ends with the specified suffix and prints the result.

Explanation of the code and its output

When the above code is executed, the output will be:

Does the file name "report.docx" end with ".docx"? true

This output indicates that the string ends with the correct file extension.

V. Related Methods

There are several other useful string methods in Java that are similar to endsWith:

A. Brief mention of similar string methods in Java

Method	Description
startsWith	Checks whether a string begins with a specified prefix.
contains	Checks if a string contains a specified sequence of characters.
indexOf	Returns the index of the first occurrence of a given substring within a string.

VI. Conclusion

The endsWith method is a powerful and convenient tool in Java for string manipulation. It allows developers to easily validate and compare the endings of strings, making it essential for tasks like file extension checks, URL validation, and more.

As you continue to learn Java, practice using the endsWith method in various scenarios. The more you implement it, the more comfortable you will become with string handling in general.

FAQ

1. Can the endsWith method check multiple suffixes at once?

No, the endsWith method can only check one suffix at a time. However, you can call this method multiple times with different suffixes if needed.

2. Is the endsWith method case-sensitive?

Yes, the endsWith method is case-sensitive. “Java” and “java” would not be considered a match.

3. What happens if the suffix is null?

If you pass a null value as the suffix to the endsWith method, it will throw a NullPointerException.

4. Can I use endsWith with different data types?

No, the endsWith method can only be used on string objects. If you have a different data type, you must first convert it to a string.

5. What are some practical applications of the endsWith method?

Common uses include validating file types (e.g., checking if a file is of a certain format) and ensuring strings conform to expected formats (e.g., URL endings).

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