What Are Java Methods? A Simple Introduction

Which is one of the most popular programming languages in the world? Hands down, it is none other than our very own Java. Right from absolute simplicity to being platform-independent, featuring an extensive range of libraries, the programming language has many such benefits to offer. Being one of the most renowned object-oriented languages available, Java’s ultimate core revolves around its wide range of classes and methods. The following post mainly focuses on what the different methods are in Java and why it is important to master these methods, especially if you want to develop highly efficient and scalable applications.

Introducing Java methods

A method in Java is sure sure-shot way of organizing or structuring the code with a name, and it is done with such ease that developers can understand the task well or the action the code successfully performs. Speaking in terms of Java, a method can be known as a function; however is referred to as a method.

Here’s an example for an easy explanation: imagine you have hundreds of books and all without any names, just with blank covers. Now, will you be able to find out which book is written for what purpose or comprises what knowledge? I am sure this is way more complicated and complex than you think. However, if you have names written on it, wouldn’t it be easy to identify each one? It is as simple as that!

When you include methods in Java, lots and lots of problems can be well taken care of, such as maintaining the code, reusability, scalability, and a lot more. As soon as the method is created, it is possible to use it unlimited times throughout the program. Imagine the method as your superhero, a sure-shot approach to succeed and create a modular, maintainable, and scalable software.

Being a block of code that can be seamlessly called, performed specific actions as mentioned. From code reusability to breaking complex programs into smaller chunks, enhancing code readability, and reducing redundancy, a lot more. It is very important to learn about these methods if you want to excel as a Java developer. Here, creating extensive code saves ample time.

Why Consider Java Methods?

Java methods, as stated above, are fundamental building blocks that contribute well in terms of reusability, readability, and maintenance. One of the basic reasons for using Java methods is that they are defined and identified with the help of a specific name, so you are very clear regarding what the method does, and for that, you no longer have to explore the actual code.

Java methods are used for multiple reasons, such as:

• Code reusability - No matter whether the method is successfully defined or not, it can be used again and again, saving ample time and effort.

public class ReusableMethods {

public static int square(int numb) {

return numb * numb;

}

public static void main(String[] args) {

int res1 = square(5);

int res2 = square(10);

System.out.println("Square of 6: " + res1);

System.out.println("Square of 9: " + res2);

}

}

Surce:(https://www.igmguru.com/blog/methods-in-java)

• Modularity - As mentioned above, methods work wonders in the context of breaking down the problem into subproblems, which is why the code becomes pretty easy to maintain.

• Debugging - The ability to isolate functionality into methods is what makes this one a cut above. So, in other words, Java methods are easy to test and debug individual parts of the program.

• Efficiency - Methods mainly tend to improve code efficiency, and this surely avoids redundancy, allowing better organisational skills.

public class CodeOrganization {

public static void displayWelcomeMessage() {

System. out.println("Welcome to Java's class");

}

public static void displayFarewellMessage() {

System.out.println("Thanks for training Java with us");

}

public static void main(String[] args) {

displayWelcomeMessage();

displayFarewellMessage();

}

}

Source: (https://www.igmguru.com/blog/methods-in-java)

• Flexibility - Did you know that methods can be defined with the help of different parameters, which gives rise to flexibility even if you need to work with different inputs. So the same task can be performed accurately on different data as well.

// Simple Method without Parameters:

public void simpleMethod() {

// Method body

}

// Method with Parameters:

public int add(int a, int b) {

return a + b;

}

// Method with Non-Access Modifier:

public static void staticMethod() {

// Method body

}

// Method with Exception Handling:

public void readFile() throws IOException {

// Method body that may throw IOException

}

This one is the best example for Java methods - https://code.nkslearning.com/blogs/methods-in-java-why-use-them-their-types-and-how-to-define_65b7da879470b7353324

Types of Methods in Java

Source: https://code.nkslearning.com/blogs/methods-in-java-why-use-them-their-types-and-how-to-define_65b7da879470b7353324

1. Instance methods

One of the finest methods to consider here is the instance method in Java.

public void instanceMethod() {

// Method implementation

}

The following method doesn’t require a static modifier, and here it is possible to access instance variables in the method’s body code. It may quite interest to you to know that the method is used by invoking an object of the class.

2. Static Methods

The next interesting Java method to take into account is the static method. Unlike the instance method, this one is successfully defined with the static modifier, which means accessing instance variables is next to impossible here, especially in the method’s body code. This can be invoked only using the class name.

public static void classMethod() {

// Method implementation }

}

3. Getter and Setter Methods

The next type of Java method is the getter and setter method, the getter method also known as the accessor method, which is mainly used to retrieve the different values of private instance variables, so when this happens, you are bound to offer a highly controlled access to the state of an object. Setter, often known as Mutator, is highly considered to modify different values, especially of private instance variables. Now, this is usually done to successfully maintain encapsulation and control the state of an object.

private String name; // Private instance variable

// Getter method to retrieve the value of 'name'

public String getName() {

return name;

}

// Setter method to modify the value of 'name'

public void setName(String newName) {

this.name = newName;

}

4. Abstract Methods

Successfully declared in an abstract class or interface, now this is possible without implementing or introducing the must factor, which means this has to be implemented, especially by subclasses. So all you need to do is use an abstract modifier, and you don’t need a body here.

abstract class Shape {

// Abstract method without a body

public abstract double calculateArea();

}

class Circle extends Shape {

private double radius;

public Circle(double radius) {

this.radius = radius;

}

// Concrete implementation of the abstract method

@Override

public double calculateArea() {

return Math.PI radius radius;

}

}

5. Constructor methods

Last but certainly not least, this method is highly recommended for initializing the object, which means it is very important to have the same name as the class and no return type. Generally, this is also known as a Constructor, not a method.

public class User{

private String name;

// Constructor method

public Car(String name) {

this.name= name;

}

}

How to create methods in Java?

Since we have covered the types of methods considered in Java, it’s time to create methods in Java. For this, you need to understand the syntax, successfully define the process, and call methods. Now, these are steps considered for developing a program. So as soon as you begin creating a method signature featuring method name, return type, and parameters, you need to focus on the final task, which includes the main body, the overall logic of the code.

Here are some instances worth taking into account:

Create a method signature.

Though there are different syntaxes used to create a method signature.

public ()

Now, here the type of method chosen is the abstract method; usually, the syntax takes two parameters and returns a single integer.

abstract class MyClass {

public abstract int add(int a, int b); // Abstract method

public static void main(String args[]) {

// You can't directly instantiate an abstract class

// MyClass instance = new MyClass(); // This will cause a compile-time error

// You need to create a concrete subclass that implements the abstract method

MyClass instance = new MySubclass(); // Example: Using a subclass (see below)

int result = instance.add(12, 3);

System.out.println(result);

}

}

// Concrete subclass that implements the abstract method

class MySubclass extends MyClass {

@Override

public int add(int a, int b) {

int result = 0;

result = a + b;

return result;

}

}

The above example is a pretty perfect one, especially since here you can understand how to successfully define different methods in a class. Can you see the first row in the program? This is what a method signature is all about. The public keyword shows that the method is known outside of the class.

Also, you will find the return type, which means an integer value will be successfully returned. Let's name it, let us call it add and parameters in the form of integer a and integer b. The logic of the body successfully adds both the parameters and returns the result.

Now, what if I tell you there is a huge possibility to call a method from anywhere in the program, all you have to do is consider the following syntax.

.()

If you want to add a method with parameters 12 and 3

int result = myClass.add(12, 3);

Also, you can think of using a method which doesn’t return any value

public void printMessage() {

System. out.println("Hello, world!");

}

Try this:

class MyClass {

public void printMessage() {

System.out.println("Hello, world!");

}

}

public class Main {

public static void main(String[] args) {

MyClass object = new MyClass();

object.printMessage(); // prints "Hello, world!" to the screen

}

}

Programming in Java can be complicated and daunting, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the rough path. If you want absolute proficiency and code excellence, this is it!

Final words

So that’s all for now! In the following tutorial, you learned about everything regarding different methods in Java. So what are you waiting for? Time to put that learning into implementation. Mastering Java methods, whether it includes the basic pre-defined ones to complex user-defined ones, is very important; there is no denying the fact. Just make sure you are well acquainted with the types, and then proceed further. It doesn’t matter whether you are conducting an object comparison-based task or string manipulation, time-based tasks, just believe that Java technology will offer you a rich set of tools to take care of any and every situation and with ease.

I hope you did find the following post worth reading. In case you have any kind of doubts or queries, feel free to mention them in the comment section below. Also, it is advisable to seek assistance from a reputable Java development company that has a knack for making the most of these Java methods and offers the best possible outcomes to its valuable clients. Good luck!