Removing dahes out of string

[john mccain]

Hey guys. first post. im stuck and i cant figure out how to remove dashes out of an input string that MAY or MAY NOT have dashes. Would i be looking to use char or what? Also another thing is im trying to not use arrays.

Here is my method header:

  public static String removeDashes(String c)
    {
        
     //   return dashless;
    }  

Would love some help please.

[Jelle Klap]

Have a look at String's replaceAll() method.

[john mccain]

Jelle Klap wrote:Have a look at String's replaceAll() method.

Alright i looked at that and i got this far...

  public static String removeDashes(String c)
    {
        String dashless = c.replaceAll("\\-", XXX )
        
        return dashless;
    }  

Now what would i put in the XXX to make it remove it completely?

OR how do i use replaceAll for this situation? i need to completely get rid of dashes for an isbn method.

[David Newton]

That compiles?!

In any case: what do you want to replace it with? Nothing, right? So... what's string-ese for nothing?

[Mike Simmons]

What's this "char 45" stuff, anyway?

Note that in the API the Jelle linked to, there's a replace() method, and a replaceAll(). Pay attention to the difference.

Good to see you're keeping busy after the election, sir. Good luck.

[john mccain]

OKAY OKAY. semi success. My code now:

   public static String removeDashes(String c)
    {
        String dashless = c.replaceAll("\\-","" );
        
        return dashless;
    }   

So now it works but i need to make it to work weather it has or doesnt have dashes. Any help while i try stuff?

[David Newton]

Seeing as how there's no "remove()" method, consider replacing. Again--with what? Your answer should be "nothing". Again--what's String-eze for nothing?

[john mccain]

David Newton wrote:Seeing as how there's no "remove()" method, consider replacing. Again--with what? Your answer should be "nothing". Again--what's String-eze for nothing?

its "". lol i got that. i am now making a if-else statement to test if it has dashes, remove dashes. else do nothing....

[David Newton]

Why bother? Wouldn't anything doing any replacing have to check anyway?

[john mccain]

oh hold on.. lemme try something i mighta missed :P

[john mccain]

yeah i got it!! thanks alot guys. ill be sure to stick around this forum.