Java For Everyone: Compatible with Java 5, 6, and 7, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 5

METHODS

CHAPTER GOALS

To be able to implement methods

To become familiar with the concept of parameter passing

To develop strategies for decomposing complex tasks into simpler ones

To be able to determine the scope of a variable

To learn how to think recursively (optional)

CHAPTER CONTENTS

5.1 METHODS AS BLACK BOXES

5.2 IMPLEMENTING METHODS

Syntax 5.1: Static Method Declaration

Programming Tip 5.1: Method Comments

5.3 PARAMETER PASSING

Programming Tip 5.2: Do Not Modify Parameter Variables

Common Error 5.1: Trying to Modify Arguments

5.4 RETURN VALUES

Common Error 5.2: Missing Return Value

How To 5.1: Implementing a Method

Worked Example 5.1: Generating Random Passwords

5.5 METHODS WITHOUT RETURN VALUES

5.6 PROBLEM SOLVING: REUSABLE METHODS

5.7 PROBLEM SOLVING: STEPWISE REFINEMENT

Programming Tip 5.3: Keep Methods Short

Programming Tip 5.4: Tracing Methods

Programming Tip 5.5: Stubs

Worked Example 5.2: Calculating a Course Grade

5.8 VARIABLE SCOPE

Video Example 5.1: Debugging

5.9 RECURSIVE METHODS (OPTIONAL)

How To 5.2: Thinking Recursively

Random Fact 5.1: The Explosive ...