Java printf using variable field size?

Question

I'm just trying to convert some C code over to Java and I'm having a little trouble with String.printf.

In C, to get a specific width based on a variable, I can use:

printf("Current index = %*d\n", sz, index);

and it will format the integer to be a specific size based on sz.

Trying:

System.out.println(String.format("Current index = %*d\n", sz, index));

results in an error since it doesn't like the *.

I currently have the following kludge:

System.out.println(String.format("Current index = %" + sz + "d\n", index));

but I'm hoping there's a slightly better way, yes?

Answer 1

For $20 USD you can buy this jar:

http://sharkysoft.com/software/java/lava3/printf/purchase/

You can evaluate it for free first under its GPL license:

http://sharkysoft.com/software/java/lava3/printf/download/current/lava3-printf-jar.zip

If I were porting a bunch of C code I think I would just shell out the $20. The license permits unlimited distribution to end-users.

(Full disclosure: I have no relationship with sharkysoft, I have never tried the jar, and I do not profit in any way from linking to them.)