How can I format a java string using a width variable?

The Entities in java are slightly different. I adore them being included (finally).

float bigNum = 123456.789012;

String pattern = String.format( "%10.2f is my magic number%n", bigNum);

System.out.println( pattern);

or

System.out.println(

String.format( "%10.3f", bigNum) );

the "decimal place" is the rounding.

lead off with a zero to get leading zeroes

String.format("%03.2f", bigNum));

if I want evenly spaced columns, I have to construct an Object[] array

array[0] = salaryAmt;

array[1] = hourly Rate;

array[2] = "Cowboy Bob";

System.out.println(

"%5.2f,%3.2d,%s%n, array);

Here you will get more information about java string format.