Difference Between System.out.print() and System.out.println() Function in Java

In Java, System.out.print() and System.out.println() are two methods defined in the System class to send output to the console. They look and sound similar, but they behave differently in terms of cursor movement and formatting of the output.

Java System.out.print() Method

The System.out.print() method prints the specified string to the console but does not append a newline character at the end. It means that any subsequent output will be printed on the same line.

Output:

Hello, World!

Explanation: Since there is no newline, both outputs appear on the same line.

System.out.println() Method

The System.out.println() method prints the specified string or data to the console and appends a newline character at the end. It means that any subsequent output will be printed on the next line.

To read more System.out.println() in Java

Output:

Hello,
World!

Explanation: In the above program, we observe that after printing Hello on the console, the cursor moves to the new line and prints the world!

Java System.out.print() Vs. System.out.println() Method

Important Points to Remember

• Avoid Using \n: Do not use \n if you are using the println() method.
• Unstructured Output: Using print() repeatedly without formatting leads to unreadable logs.

Output:

ABC

If spacing is needed:

Output:

A B C

System.out.print and System.out.println MCQs

1. What is the key difference between System.out.print() and System.out.println() in Java?

1. print() only prints integers, while println() prints strings
2. print() adds a newline after printing, println() does not
3. print() keeps the cursor on the same line, println() moves it to the next line
4. Both behave the same; there is no real difference

2. Which of the following is a common real-world use case of System.out.print() instead of System.out.println()?

1. Logging server errors
2. Displaying each result on a new line
3. Asking the user for input in the same line as the prompt
4. Writing multi-line configuration files

3. What will be the output of the following code?

1. Java Programming
   Language
2. Java ProgrammingLanguage
3. JavaProgramming
   Language
4. Java
   ProgrammingLanguage

4. What is one disadvantage of using System.out.print() excessively in code?

1. It always adds a newline unexpectedly
2. It slows down Java performance
3. It produces unreadable or cluttered output if spacing is not handled properly
4. It does not support printing variables

5. Which of the following is true regarding the use of System.out.println()?

1. It is only used for error handling
2. It always prints output in uppercase letters
3. It is preferred when structured output with new lines is needed
4. It must be used with string data types only