int A= 12, B= -456;
DecimalFormat numform = new DecimalFormat("###0.0###");
System.out.println( "A = " + numform.format(A) );
System.out.println( "B = " + numform.format(B) );
A = 12.0 B = -456.0
The fragment writes a string that includes a fractional part,
".0" even though the numbers are ints.
This might mislead someone into thinking the numbers are accurate
to tenths.
It might be better to use a format code that does not contain a decimal point.
| Symbol | Location | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Number | Digit |
| # | Number | Digit, leading a trailing zeros removed |
| . | Number | Decimal separator |
| - | Number | Minus sign |
| , | Number | Grouping separator |
| E | Number | Separates mantissa and exponent in scientific notation. |
| ; | Between Patterns | Separates positive and negative subpatterns |
| % | Prefix or suffix | Multiply by 100 and show as percentage |
| ' | Prefix or suffix | Used to quote special characters in a prefix or suffix. |
Here is a table of characters that may be used in number format patterns. The first six characters have already been discussed. The others will not be discussed, but are included so that you know they exist. Avoid using them without further study.
There are other features of DecimalFormat not discussed
in this chapter.
For example, it can be used on input to parse strings that
contain thousands separators and decimal separators.
It also can output scientific notation and currency amounts.
There are methods that give you additional control over the formats.
What do you suspect this fragment writes?
double profit = 32876.34;
DecimalFormat numform = new DecimalFormat("$0.00");
System.out.println( "profit = " + numform.format(profit) );