Understanding the Radix Parameter in Java

What is the radix parameter in Java, and how does it function?

int number = Integer.parseInt("1010", 2); // Parses the binary string to an integer.

In Java, the radix parameter specifies the base of a numerical system used for converting strings to integers or formatting integers as strings. The most common bases are binary (2), octal (8), decimal (10), and hexadecimal (16).

// Converting from binary to decimal
int decimalNumber = Integer.parseInt("01101", 2); // Outputs 13

// Converting an integer to hexadecimal string
String hexString = Integer.toString(255, 16); // Outputs "ff"

Causes

• A radix determines how the string representation of a number is interpreted during conversion in Java.
• Different numerical systems (e.g., binary, decimal, hexadecimal) require different radices.

Solutions

• When converting a string representation of a number, always specify the correct radix for accurate conversion.
• Use `Integer.toString(int value, int radix)` to convert integers to their string representation in the desired base.

Mistake: Using default radix without specifying it can lead to unexpected outcomes during conversion.

Solution: Always specify the radix when converting strings to integers.

Mistake: Assuming all numeric systems are decimal (base 10) when processing data.

Solution: Know the required base to avoid misinterpretation.