Methods in Java
A method in Java is a block of code designed to perform a specific task. Methods improve code reusability, modularity, and
organization.
Types of Methods in Java
1. Built-in Methods: Predefined methods provided by Java libraries.
○ Example: System.out.println(), Math.sqrt(), etc.
2. User-Defined Methods: Custom methods created by programmers for specific tasks.
Method Syntax
java
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accessModifier returnType methodName(parameters) {
// method body
// return statement (if required)
}
Explanation:
● Access Modifier: Determines the visibility (public, private, protected, or default).
● Return Type: Specifies the data type of the value the method returns. Use void if no value is returned.
● Method Name: Follows camelCase naming conventions.
● Parameters: Inputs to the method (optional).
● Method Body: Contains the code to execute.
● Return Statement: Ends the method and returns a value (optional, depending on the return type).
Examples
1. A Simple Method
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public class Main {
public static void greet() {
System.out.println("Hello, welcome to Java!");
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
greet(); // Calling the method
}
}
Output:
css
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Hello, welcome to Java!
2. Method with Parameters
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public class Calculator {
public static int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
int sum = add(10, 20); // Calling the method with arguments
System.out.println("Sum: " + sum);
}
}
Output:
makefile
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Sum: 30
3. Method with Return Type
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public class Circle {
public static double calculateArea(double radius) {
return Math.PI * radius * radius;
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
double area = calculateArea(5.0);
System.out.println("Area of the circle: " + area);
}
}
Output:
arduino
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Area of the circle: 78.53981633974483
Key Concepts in Methods
1. Method Overloading
● Multiple methods with the same name but different parameter lists.
● Allows polymorphism.
Example:
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public class Overloading {
public static int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
public static double add(double a, double b) {
return a + b;
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println(add(10, 20)); // Calls the first method
System.out.println(add(5.5, 2.3)); // Calls the second method
}
}
2. Method Overriding
● A subclass provides a specific implementation of a method already defined in its parent class.
● Used in inheritance to achieve runtime polymorphism.
Example:
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class Animal {
public void sound() {
System.out.println("Animal makes a sound");
}
}
class Dog extends Animal {
@Override
public void sound() {
System.out.println("Dog barks");
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Animal myAnimal = new Dog();
myAnimal.sound(); // Calls the overridden method
}
}
Output:
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Dog barks
Best Practices for Methods
1. Follow Naming Conventions:
○ Use descriptive names in camelCase.
○ Example: calculateInterest(), printDetails().
2. Keep Methods Small:
○ Each method should perform one task for better readability and maintainability.
3. Avoid Too Many Parameters:
○ Prefer passing objects if many parameters are required.
4. Document Methods:
○ Use comments and Javadoc to describe the method's purpose and behavior.
Special Methods
1. main() Method
The entry point of any Java program:
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public static void main(String[] args) {
// Code execution starts here
}
2. Static Methods
● Declared using the static keyword.
● Can be called without creating an object of the class.
Example:
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public static void printMessage() {
System.out.println("Static Method Example");
}
●
3. Final Methods
● Declared using the final keyword.
● Cannot be overridden by subclasses.
Example:
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public final void display() {
System.out.println("This is a final method.");
}
●
Advantages of Using Methods
1. Code Reusability: Methods can be reused multiple times.
2. Modularity: Programs can be divided into smaller, manageable parts.
3. Maintainability: Easier to test and debug.
4. Readability: Well-defined methods improve code readability.
