What is String Concatenation?

In the world of computer programming, string concatenation is the process of binding together multiple data strings using functions or operators. Programmers may concatenate strings to make code more efficient, to make functions more effective, or to help themselves or others conceptualize what is being done in a program. As an intermediate level resource, string concatenation is something that students may find in books on a specific computer language.

Strings are packets of data — generally letters, numbers, and symbols — that form specific variables or constants in a computer program. A variable is a string that can change, while a constant is one the can't. Either of these can be strings if they include multiple characters.

Many programmers will be familiar with the common effects of concatenating strings. For example, in a very simple program to output text, the programmer may have included a simple introductory string that prints out "Hello" or a similar introduction. If the programmer wants to tie a name to the introduction, he or she can use string concatenation to make the program say hello to a specific name. Much of the concatenation that is done in many communicative programs is based on this kind of personalized software capability. Using strings for specific US states, for example, a computer program can bring more versatility for a national US audience.

Experienced programmers know that string concatenation can be useful in nearly any language. Conventional coding languages like C++ and MS Visual Basic can use it in various ways for conceptual and functional improvements in an application. Database operators can use SQL server string concatenation to help improve the process of returning data from a SQL server database. PHP string concatenation can be a valuable part of developing modern web sites, where languages like PHP are common tools for building the newest in interactive Internet sites. String concatenation can also be helpful in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, where developers are moving more of the world's voice communications onto broadband.

For more on the many specific uses of this process, programmers can pick up detailed code sample books from a library or book store. Such books show a collection of ways that string concatenation can make software more effective. Learning how to do this kind of data operation is a great asset to a programmer who wants to build the right skill set for almost any kind of software development.