How to Java String intern in Kotlin

The Java String intern() function is used to return a canonical representation of a string. It returns a string that has the same contents as the original string, but is guaranteed to be from a pool of unique strings. If the string already exists in the pool, then the intern() function returns a reference to that string. If the string does not exist in the pool, then it is added to the pool and a reference to the new string is returned. This function is useful for optimizing memory usage and improving performance in situations where many strings with the same contents are created. Keep reading below to learn how to Java String intern in Kotlin.

Looking to get a head start on your next software interview? Pickup a copy of the best book to prepare: Cracking The Coding Interview!

Buy Now On Amazon

Java String intern in Kotlin With Example Code

Java String intern is a method that can be used to improve the performance of string operations in Java. In Kotlin, you can use this method by calling the `intern()` function on a string object.

The `intern()` function returns a canonical representation of the string object. This means that if two string objects have the same value, they will share the same memory location after calling `intern()`. This can be useful in situations where you have many string objects with the same value, as it can reduce memory usage and improve performance.

To use `intern()` in Kotlin, simply call the function on a string object:

val str1 = "Hello World" val str2 = "Hello World"


println(str1 === str2) // prints "false"
val str3 = str1.intern()

val str4 = str2.intern()

println(str3 === str4) // prints "true"

In this example, `str1` and `str2` are two different string objects with the same value. After calling `intern()` on both objects, `str3` and `str4` share the same memory location, as they both represent the canonical representation of the string “Hello World”.

It’s important to note that using `intern()` can have some downsides, such as increased memory usage and potential performance issues if used incorrectly. It’s recommended to use `intern()` only when necessary and with caution.

Equivalent of Java String intern in Kotlin

In conclusion, the Kotlin programming language provides a similar function to Java’s String intern() method, called the “intern()” extension function. This function allows developers to optimize memory usage by reusing existing string objects instead of creating new ones. By using the intern() function in Kotlin, developers can improve the performance of their applications and reduce the risk of memory leaks. Overall, the intern() function is a useful tool for Kotlin developers who want to optimize their code and improve the efficiency of their applications.