get string value from HashMap depending on key name

Issue

I have a HashMap with various keys and values, how can I get one value out?

I have a key in the map called my_code, it should contain a string, how can I just get that without having to iterate through the map?

So far I've got..

   HashMap newMap = new HashMap(paramMap);
   String s = newMap.get("my_code").toString();

I'm expecting to see a String, such as "ABC" or "DEF" as that is what I put in there initially, but if I do a System.out.println() I get something like java.lang.string#F0454

Sorry, I'm not too familiar with maps as you can probably guess ;)

Solution

Just use Map#get(key) ?

Object value = map.get(myCode);

Here's a tutorial about maps, you may find it useful: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/collections/interfaces/map.html.

Edit: you edited your question with the following:

I'm expecting to see a String, such as "ABC" or "DEF" as that is what I put in there initially, but if I do a System.out.println() I get something like java.lang.string#F0454

Sorry, I'm not too familiar with maps as you can probably guess ;)

You're seeing the outcome of Object#toString(). But the java.lang.String should already have one implemented, unless you created a custom implementation with a lowercase s in the name: java.lang.string. If it is actually a custom object, then you need to override Object#toString() to get a "human readable string" whenever you do a System.out.println() or toString() on the desired object. For example:

@Override
public String toString() {
    return "This is Object X with a property value " + value;
}

Answered By - BalusC