Method Parameters

Method Parameters

Parameters let you pass information into a method. The method can use that data to do its work.

Parameters and arguments

static void myMethod(String fname) {
  System.out.println(fname + " Refsnes");
}

public static void main(String[] args) {
  myMethod("Liam");
  myMethod("Jenny");
  myMethod("Anja");
}

• The method declaration lists parameters in parentheses.
• The values you pass when calling are arguments.
• Output: Liam Refsnes, Jenny Refsnes, Anja Refsnes.

Multiple parameters

static void myMethod(String fname, int age) {
  System.out.println(fname + " is " + age);
}

public static void main(String[] args) {
  myMethod("Liam", 5);
  myMethod("Jenny", 8);
}

Return values

Use return to send a value back. Replace void with the return type:

static int myMethod(int x) {
  return 5 + x;
}

public static void main(String[] args) {
  System.out.println(myMethod(3)); // 8
}

TL;DR

• Parameters are declared in the method signature.
• Arguments are the values passed at the call site.
• return sends a value back and defines the return type.