String Compression

Compress a string as character followed by count (basic run-length encoding).

IntermediateTopic: Module 4: String Programs
Back

Java String Compression Program

This program helps you to learn the fundamental structure and syntax of Java programming.

Try This Code
import java.util.Scanner;

public class Main {
    public static String compress(String s) {
        if (s.isEmpty()) return s;
        StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder();
        char prev = s.charAt(0);
        int count = 1;
        for (int i = 1; i < s.length(); i++) {
            char c = s.charAt(i);
            if (c == prev) {
                count++;
            } else {
                sb.append(prev).append(count);
                prev = c;
                count = 1;
            }
        }
        sb.append(prev).append(count);
        return sb.toString();
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in);
        System.out.print("Enter a string: ");
        String s = sc.nextLine();

        System.out.println("Compressed: " + compress(s));
        sc.close();
    }
}
Output
Enter a string: aaabbc
Compressed: a3b2c1

Understanding String Compression

We count consecutive equal characters and append character+count.

Note: To write and run Java programs, you need to set up the local environment on your computer. Refer to the complete article Setting up Java Development Environment. If you do not want to set up the local environment on your computer, you can also use online IDE to write and run your Java programs.

Table of Contents