In Java programming, multiple scenarios require the developer to increment the value step by step or based on a custom manner. For instance, incrementing a value rather than defining it repeatedly or incrementing with the specified step by the requirement. In such scenarios, the “+=” and “++” operators come into effect which assists in sorting out the code functionalities to a great extent.
This blog will discuss the differences between the “+=” and “++” operators in Java.
What is the Difference Between += and ++ in Java?
The addition increment operator “+=” is used to increment the value in a custom manner based on the assigned value. On the other hand, the increment operator “++” increments the value by “1” in each case.
Example 1: Applying the “+=” and “++” Operators Upon the Specified Values
This example applies both the “+=” and “++” operators upon the initialized/specified values:
public class Assignmentoper {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int x = 1;
System.out.println("Increment Operator -> "+x++);
int y = 1;
y+=2;
System.out.println("Addition Assignment Operator -> "+y);
}}
In this code snippet:
- Firstly, initialize the value “x” and apply the increment operator “++” on it to increment its value by “1”.
- Now, define another value named “y” and increment its value in a custom way by “2” via the addition assignment operator “+=”.
Output
In the output, it can be seen that different values are generated against the same defined values in each case.
Example 2: Applying the “+=” and “++” Operators in a “for” Loop
This specific example utilizes both the discussed operators in a “for” loop to iterate the values based on the applied operators:
public class Assignmentoper {
public static void main(String[] args) {
for(int x= 0;x<=5;x++) {
System.out.println("Increment Operator -> "+x);
}
for(int y= 0;y<=5;y+=2) {
System.out.println("Addition Assignment Operator -> "+y);
}}}
In these code lines:
- Apply a “for” loop to iterate the values from “0” to “5” step by step via the applied increment operator “++”.
- After that, include another “for” loop using the addition increment operator “+=” to perform the iteration with a step of “2”.
Output
In this outcome, it can be implied that the number of iterations in both cases is different due to the step difference (2) in the latter operator i.e., “+=”.
Example 3: Applying the “+=” and “++” Operators Upon a String
This demonstration implements both operators upon a string to concatenate it with another string.
Case 1: Addition Assignment Operator “+=”
In this case, the addition assignment operator “+=” can be used to concatenate the defined string:
public class Assignmentoper {
public static void main(String[] args) {
String x = "Linux";
x+= "hint";
System.out.println("Concatenated String -> "+x);
}}
In this code block, initialize a string and append it with another string via the “+=” operator.
Output
The latter string is concatenated to the former string appropriately.
Case 2: Increment Operator
In this scenario, the increment operator “++” makes no effect and returns an error instead, as follows:
Conclusion
In Java, the addition increment operator “+=” is used to increment the value in a custom manner based on the assigned value whereas the increment operator “++” increments the value by “1” in each case. This article stated the core differences between the “+=” and “++” operators in Java.