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Java Kotlin Illegal escape character

Using an invalid escape sequence in a string literal.

Understanding Kotlin and Its Purpose

Kotlin is a modern, statically typed programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and can also be compiled to JavaScript or native code. It is designed to be fully interoperable with Java, making it a popular choice for Android development and other JVM-based applications. Kotlin aims to improve code readability and safety while providing a more concise syntax compared to Java.

Recognizing the Symptom: Illegal Escape Character

When working with Kotlin, you might encounter the error message: Illegal escape character. This typically occurs when you attempt to use an invalid escape sequence within a string literal. The compiler flags this as an error, preventing the code from compiling successfully.

Example of the Error

Consider the following Kotlin code snippet:

val path = "C:\new\folder\file.txt"

If you mistakenly use an invalid escape sequence, such as \n for a new line, the compiler will throw an Illegal escape character error.

Details About the Issue

The Illegal escape character error arises when the Kotlin compiler encounters an escape sequence that it does not recognize. Escape sequences are used to represent special characters within string literals, such as new lines (\n), tabs (\t), or backslashes (\\). If an escape sequence is not valid, the compiler cannot interpret it correctly, leading to this error.

Common Invalid Escape Sequences

  • \c - Not a valid escape sequence.
  • \x - Often mistaken for hexadecimal representation, which is not supported in Kotlin string literals.

Steps to Fix the Issue

To resolve the Illegal escape character error, follow these steps:

1. Verify the Escape Sequence

Ensure that the escape sequence used in the string literal is valid. Refer to the Kotlin documentation for a list of valid escape sequences.

2. Use Raw String Literals

If your string contains multiple backslashes or special characters, consider using a raw string literal. Raw strings in Kotlin are enclosed within triple quotes (""") and do not interpret escape sequences:

val path = """C:\new\folder\file.txt"""

This approach is particularly useful for file paths or regular expressions.

3. Correct the Escape Sequence

If you intended to use a specific escape sequence, ensure it is correctly formatted. For example, use \\ for a single backslash or \n for a new line.

Additional Resources

For more information on handling strings in Kotlin, check out the official Kotlin Reference. Additionally, the Kotlin Tutorials provide practical examples and further insights into effective Kotlin programming.

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