# setLength method

void setLength(

1. int newLength

)

Sets the length of this StringBuilder.

If the new length is less than the current length, the StringBuilder is truncated. If the new length is greater, null characters are appended.

`newLength` the new length

## Implementation

    void setLength(int newLength) {
      String current = _buffer.toString();

      if (newLength < 0) {
        throw InvalidArgumentException('Length cannot be negative');
      }

      if (newLength < current.length) {
        _buffer.clear();
        _buffer.write(current.substring(0, newLength));
      } else if (newLength > current.length) {
        int padding = newLength - current.length;
        _buffer.write('\x00' * padding);
      }
    }