Strings are indispensable but can often lead to errors. In this talk tailored for Java developers, we dive deep into the world of string manipulation and explore common challenges, from performance issues to internationalization concerns. Through practical examples and concrete best practices, you'll learn how to handle strings efficiently and securely. The talk also introduces lesser-known but powerful Java features and advanced techniques for optimizing string operations, helping you write code that is clean, performant, and maintainable.