Reading string input in Java

Introduction

We use reading string input to get words or sentences typed by a user while the program is running.

When you want to ask the user for their name.

When you need to get a message or comment from the user.

When you want to read commands or options typed by the user.

When you want to collect any text information from the user during the program.

Syntax

Java

import java.util.Scanner;

Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
String input = scanner.nextLine();

You must import java.util.Scanner to read input from the keyboard.

nextLine() reads the whole line typed by the user until they press Enter.

Examples

This reads a full line of text and stores it in the variable name.

Java

Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
String name = scanner.nextLine();

This asks the user to enter their city and reads the input line.

Java

Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print("Enter your city: ");
String city = scanner.nextLine();

This reads a line and then prints it back to the user.

Java

Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
String sentence = scanner.nextLine();
System.out.println("You typed: " + sentence);

Sample Program

This program asks the user to type their name, reads the full line, and then greets them by name.

Java

import java.util.Scanner;

public class ReadStringInput {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
        System.out.print("Please enter your name: ");
        String name = scanner.nextLine();
        System.out.println("Hello, " + name + "!");
        scanner.close();
    }
}

Important Notes

Always close the Scanner after use with scanner.close() to free resources.

nextLine() reads the entire line including spaces until Enter is pressed.

If you mix nextLine() with other Scanner methods like nextInt(), be careful to consume leftover newlines.

Summary

Use Scanner and nextLine() to read full string input from the user.

Remember to import java.util.Scanner and close the scanner when done.

This lets your program interact by getting text typed by the user.