Java Pocket Guide

Chapter 6. Statements and Blocks

A statement is a single command that performs some activity when executed by the Java interpreter.

	System.out.println("Let's go Golfing!");

Java statements include expression, empty, block, conditional, iteration, transfer of control, exception handling, variable, labeled, assert, and synchronized.

Reserved Java words used in statements are if, else, switch, while, do, for, for/in, break, continue, return, synchronized, throw, try, catch, finally, and assert.

Expression Statements

An expression statement is a statement that changes the program state; it is a Java expression that ends in a semicolon. Expression statements include assignments, pre- and postincrements, pre- and post-decrements, object creation, and method calls. The following are examples of expression statements:

	isValid = true;
	lastPlayerLocation++;
	remainingHoles--;
	Player player = new Player( );
	player.setAndDisplay();

Empty Statement

The empty statement does nothing and is written as a single semicolon (;).

Blocks

A group of statements is called a block or statement block. A block of statements is enclosed in braces. Variables and classes declared in the block are called local variables and local classes, respectively. The scope of local variables and classes is the block in which they are declared.

In blocks, one statement is interpreted at a time in the order in which it was written or in the order of flow control. The following is an example of a block:

 if (sponsored) { Game game = new ...