# Java: Formatted conversion to String

## Format conversion

You can use a format, a string which tells how you want values converted to string.

## Formatting numbers with %d (integers) and %f (floating point)

The basic support is in the `java.util.Formatter` class, where a `Formatter` object is created and it's `format` method is called. However, it's more common to use one of these convenience methods:

- `String.format(format, values...)`
- `System.out.printf(format, values...)` or `System.err.print.`

## Basic format structure for three types

- Formatting most values

         %[argument_index$][flags][width][.precision]conversion

- Formating Calendar values

         %[argument_index$][flags][width][.precision]conversion

- Non-argument values

         %[flags][width]conversion

Like C's printf. If you are familiar with C's `printf` formats, you will be very comfortable with Java's formats, altho they are slightly different.

## Full description of formatting

Sun's Java documentation has a full description of the formatting codes. You should download the latest version of the API documentation. Here is a link to Java version 5 documentation: java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/docs/api/java/util/Formatter.html .