Java - remove first n characters from string

In this article, we would like to show you how to remove the first n characters from the string in Java.

Quick solution:

String text = "ABCD";
int n = 3;
String result = text.substring(n);

System.out.println(result);  // D

Practical examples

1. Using String substring() method

In this example, we use String substring() method to create a new result substring from the text string without the first n characters.

Syntax:

substring(int startIndex, int endIndex);

Note:

By default endIndex is the end of the string, so we don't need to specify it.

Practical example:

public class Example {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String text = "ABCD";
        int n = 3;
        String result = text.substring(n);

        System.out.println(result);  // D
    }
}

Output:

D

2. Using StringBuilder delete() method

In this example, we create sb StringBuilder object from the text string, then we use delete() method on the sb to delete the first n characters. 

Syntax:

delete(int startIndex, int endIndex);

Practical example:

public class Example {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String text = "ABCD";
        int n = 3;

        // Create StringBuilder object
        StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(text);

        // Remove first n characters
        sb.delete(0, n);

        System.out.println(sb);  // D
    }
}

Output:

D

3. Using StringBuffer delete() method 

In this example, we create sb StringBuffer object from the text string, then we use delete() method on the sb to delete the first n characters. 

Syntax:

delete(int startIndex, int endIndex);

Practical example:

public class Example {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String text = "ABCD";
        int n = 3;

        // Create StringBuffer object
        StringBuffer sb = new StringBuffer(text);

        // Remove first n characters
        sb.delete(0, n);

        System.out.println(sb);
    }
}

Output:

D